Northern Irish BSL 101 for BSL Interpreters

A Practical CPD Workshop for BSL Interpreters

Are you a BSL interpreter keen to expand your skills and deepen your understanding of regional variation? This interactive CPD session will introduce you to the distinctive features of Northern Irish BSL (NI BSL) — equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to work effectively with Deaf clients from Northern Ireland.

Through a mix of discussion, demonstration, and hands-on practice, you’ll explore:

• The history and linguistic background of NI BSL

• Key vocabulary differences between standard BSL and NI BSL — and how Irish Sign Language (ISL) influences the NI Deaf community

• NI BSL fingerspelling and number systems

• Cultural considerations and etiquette when working with the Northern Irish Deaf community

Whether you’re preparing for an assignment in Northern Ireland, working with NI Deaf clients elsewhere in the UK, or simply want to broaden your professional toolkit, this session will give you both insight and practical skills you can apply straight away.

About the Trainer
Mariette Mulvenna is a proud Northern Irish native from Kilrea and has been profoundly deaf since birth. She is the Development Manager for RNID in Northern Ireland, leading initiatives that support people with hearing loss and promoting Deaf awareness. Her lived experience, combined with professional expertise, makes her ideally placed to guide interpreters through the unique features of NI BSL and its cultural context.

Session Details:

• CPD Points: 2 x Structured

• Trainer: Mariette Mulvenna – Development Manager, RNID

• Language of Instruction: BSL

• Notetaker: TBC

• Cameras: Optional

• Participation: Active

• Recording: No