Interpreting Medical Concepts: Visualising Medical Concepts in BSL (Part 1)

About this workshop

Medical interpreting can be demanding. Medical information is often detailed, complex and difficult to express clearly in British Sign Language. Even when you understand what is happening in a medical setting, presenting that meaning in a visual and accessible way can still be a challenge.

How do you clearly explain:

• how the kidneys work?
• what causes a heart attack?
• an organ with a recognisable shape but a complex function?

This interactive online CPD workshop with Clive Mason explores clear, visual approaches to explaining medical concepts in British Sign Language. The session focuses on breaking down complex information into meaningful visual explanations, helping interpreters work with greater clarity and confidence.

The workshop will also explore the use of metaphor and analogy, particularly when function is harder to explain through anatomy alone.

What you’ll gain

By the end of the workshop, participants will have had the opportunity to develop:

• practical strategies for explaining medical concepts clearly in visual BSL
• ideas for using metaphor and analogy to support understanding
• greater confidence when working in medical settings
• a stronger understanding of anatomy and physiology through BSL

Who should attend

This workshop is suitable for:

• TSLIs, RSLIs and RSLTs working in medical settings, or wishing to specialise
• interpreters who want to develop clearer visual BSL for medical work
• communication support professionals working with medical information
• anyone looking to strengthen their medical interpreting skills

Format and CPD

• 4-hour online CPD workshop
• Delivered in British Sign Language
• Interactive teaching with visual examples and discussion
• Workshop handouts included
• CPD certificate provided after attendance
• Provides 4 Structured CPD Hours