Have you forgotten an anniversary?! We haven't.

University of Wolverhampton, UK, is celebrating the 30th anniversary of their BA (hons) Interpreting BSL/English program. My guests are Prof Megan Lawton, Sen Lecturer Sarah Bown, and former Sen Lecturer Rebecca Fenton-Ree. We follow their stories, we learn a part of the history of our sign language interpreting profession.

Live Conference: Deaf Studies and Interpreting Conference Tickets, Thu, May 23, 2024 at 9:30 AM | Eventbrite

Here are short biographies of my guests.

Megan Lawton, Professor of Learning and Teaching in Academic Practice became a National Teaching Fellow (NTF) and Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (PFHEA) in 2017. In 1991 Megan Founded the Visual Language Centre (VLC) at the University of Wolverhampton, recognising British Sign Language as a language in its own right. The VLC supported Deaf students on degree courses and created the first BA (Hons) British Sign Language/English in Europe.

Sarah Bown is a Senior Lecturer on the MA & BA (Hons) British Sign Language/English Interpreting programmes, at the University of Wolverhampton. She is a Registered Sign Language Interpreter, Senior Fellow & Academic Associate of the Higher Education Academy. For over three decades, she has worked extensively with external professional accreditation bodies, course design & standards setting. From 1999 across two decades, she led the programme as course leader.
Her career profile: Sarah Bown - University of Wolverhampton (wlv.ac.uk)

Rebecca Fenton-Ree was a Senior Lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton from 2000-2011. Becky has been involved in the Deaf community since 1990 and is a qualified and registered Sign Language Interpreter via the Post Graduate Route. She currently works part time as a community interpreter in Lincolnshire, UK and as a Teacher of the Deaf at Oak lodge 2019- present in English, PSHE and Communication.

Mentioned often by others:
Kristiaan Dekesel has worked within the University of Wolverhampton since 1994. Arriving at the University initially as a Sign Linguist having come from studying at Durham University. Kristiaan has served in various University faculty positions including; Head of Undergraduate recruitment, Department head for Media, Film, Deaf Studies & Interpreting; Department Head for World & Sign Languages.

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The Rhythm of an Interpreter's Life

Let's dance! OK, maybe not.

Today we hear from a seasoned interpreter from the USA, Anne. She answers the same questions I put to the others in the last few episodes. Her answers discuss Name Signs, having a good place to safely discuss our challenges and learn from each other, and how language deprivation and the lack of incidental learning affects how we produce our interpretation and our decision-making process.

It is great to hear from you. Enjoy, relax, learn.

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It's MY turn, no....it's YOUR turn to talk.

Today we get more answers from sign language interpreters on the questions below, today we get answers from Karolina and Filip in the Czech Republic.

I gave them the same three questions from last episode to answer how they wanted.

1. What is one of the biggest challenges you have when it comes to working as a sign language interpreter?

2. What was one of the most memorable moments from the podcast for you?

3. What one perspective of yours about sign language interpreting has changed since your first started interpreting?

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