Many people have heard of a BSL Interpreter. Fewer people know what a Lipspeaker is or how the two roles work together within communication support. At Lipspeaker UK we work with both types of professionals and we are often asked the same question.
What is a Lipspeaker and what is the difference between a Lipspeaker and a BSL Interpreter?
This article gives a clear explanation of each role, how they work, and how to choose the right communication support for your needs.
What is a BSL Interpreter?
A BSL Interpreter is a trained Language Service Professional who works between spoken English and British Sign Language. Their role is to make spoken information accessible for people who use BSL as their first or preferred language.
A BSL Interpreter:
supports people who communicate through BSL
works between two distinct languages
conveys meaning, tone and cultural context
follows a longer and more complex training pathway because they work across two languages
follows strict NRCPD professional and ethical standards
BSL interpreting is essential for people who access spoken communication through BSL.
What is a Lipspeaker?
A Lipspeaker is a trained Language Service Professional who relays spoken English in a clear visual form so it can be lipread accurately.
Lipspeakers are used by people whose first or preferred language is spoken English but who rely on lipreading to follow conversations. This includes many deafened people and many people who are hard of hearing.
A Lipspeaker:
supports people who rely on lipreading
stays within one language, spoken English
uses clear lip patterns, natural phrasing and expression
may use fingerspelling for names or key words
follows NRCPD professional and ethical standards
Lipspeaking is ideal for people who want full access to the conversation. Much like a BSL Interpreter, a Lipspeaker provides the non spoken elements of communication, including interpersonal and social cues, which are not captured through STTR or notetaking.
What is the difference between a Lipspeaker and a BSL Interpreter?
The most important difference is the communication route each professional works with.
A BSL Interpreter works between two languages.
They interpret spoken English into BSL and BSL back into spoken English.
A Lipspeaker works within spoken English.
They make spoken English easy to lipread by presenting it in a clear visual form.
Both roles:
are Language Service Professionals
follow the same ethical and professional standards
provide visual access to spoken communication
work in the same settings including events, workplaces, meetings, interviews, classrooms and conferences
offer equal value for different communication needs
The training pathways look different because the people using them have different communication needs, not that one is better than the other.
Who should use a Lipspeaker?
A Lipspeaker is recommended if you:
rely on lipreading
prefer to receive information in spoken English
are deafened later in life and/or use lipreading as your main communication method
want professional support in group discussions, meetings or events where lipreading is difficult
find it helpful to see clear lip patterns, expression and natural phrasing
Who should use a BSL Interpreter?
A BSL Interpreter is recommended if you:
use BSL as your main language
find written English difficult to follow
prefer to receive information visually through BSL
need two way communication between BSL and English
Do BSL Interpreters and Lipspeakers work together?
Yes. In many environments both roles appear side by side. Events, conferences, presentations, training sessions, medical appointments and workplace meetings may require both types of support depending on who is attending and what their communication needs are.
Both professionals provide accurate, safe and accountable communication access and both are covered by the same NRCPD professional standards.
Lipspeaker UK can help
Lipspeaker UK is a specialist provider of Lipspeakers and a trusted supplier of BSL Interpreters and other Language Service Professionals.
We match communication support to each client’s needs across workplaces, universities, conferences, health settings, courts, community services and Access to Work.
To make a booking or ask for guidance, contact us at:
www.lipspeaker.co.uk
info@lipspeaker.co.uk
02392 988845
You can also contact us through SignVideo
