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"Some people call me the Space Cowboy..." but you can call me Sign Language Interpreter.

We are called many things, and we actually do one. However, we have a skillset that ranges from the mundane situations to complicated and intense interactions. Should we be a generalist or specialized sign language interpreter these days? What is the difference? This episode explores this discussion.

What are you?

Next week, begins the interview with Dr Carol Patrie.

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Amazing moments with amazing people make amazing memories... Amazing, isn't it?

We finish our conversation with Prof Megan Lawton, Sarah Bown, and Rebecca Fenton-Ree, recapping with Megan's advice for starting a sign language interpreting degree today, and hearing some of the amazing moments from all three. But wait, there's more... We also hear from some alumni telling us of their experiences in the program.

Enjoy looking back and looking forward to the future of interpreter education.

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Involve the deaf community, obviously! But alcohol to help? hmmm.

The second of 3 in this series of celebratory episodes for the University of Wolverhampton. Their BA (hons) BSL/English program is 30 years old. Today Megan, Sarah, and Becky discuss the overarching principles that helped design the curriculum and mission. We also discuss the influences and impact of the deaf community involvement, technology, collaborations, and much more.

My guests include:

Professor Megan Lawton, Founder
Sarah Bown, Senior Lecturer
Rebecca Fenton-Ree, former Senior Lecturer
(and mentioned: Kristiaan Dekesel, second Head of Department)

Their bios can be seen in the notes of episode 101.

Next week: We get more advice and are told the amazing and fun stories from these key figures and hear from several alumni of this sign language interpreting program at the University of Wolverhampton.

Enjoy.

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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 r

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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?

Want to answer any of these or ask me a question? Click here to send a voicemail.

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Who me?!! Yes, you!

Today we get some thoughts from three sign language interpreters from three countries, Poland, the USA, and the United Kingdom.

I gave them three questions to answer how they wanted. Now we hear their insightful responses.

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?

Want to answer any of these or ask me a question? Click here to send a voicemail.

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April Fools!!! OK, not really. No, really. Maybe.

Humor is a fun and challenging thing to interpret. Shall we discuss it more? Yes! In this combination episode of Tips and Comedy, we'll explore the fun topic of humor, specifically how to interpret it. Or at least, how we need to make it work just as well as any other message we interpret.

Enjoy this April Fool's Day fun.

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