Around 50,000 people in the country use British Sign Language (BSL). It is a rich and complex visual language with its own grammar and idioms and is quite different from spoken languages. It uses precise handshapes, lip movements, facial expression, gestures and body movement to convey meaning. Sign language interpreters pass messages from deaf BSL users to English and vice versa. They have to listen to, or watch the message, extract the meaning and then find the appropriate way to express the message in the other language.

Sign Supported English

Some deaf people prefer to use Sign Supported English (SSE). It is a combination of signs from BSL together with English Grammar. It is not an independent language and the balance of English to BSL signs and features varies tremendously depending on the linguistic skills and knowledge of the user.

Our comprehensive range of services provide access to deaf people who are sign language users. We provide qualified and experienced interpreters throughout the Eastern Region including London. They work in all areas including doctors appointments and hospitals, education, business, social services and religious ceremonies. Our interpreters are experienced in and happy to switch to Sign Supported English (SSE) or Signing Exact English (SEE) if requested.