ASL and BSL Interpreting is an optimum way for content creators to expand their reach and impact. In an increasingly digital world, videos have become a primary medium for sharing information, providing entertainment, and furthering education. However, not everyone experiences video content in the same way. Adding sign language interpreting to videos is a crucial step towards making content accessible, inclusive, and meaningful for a wider audience, particularly those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
American Sign Language vs British Sign Language
While American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) are both used as a method of communication for deaf and hard of hearing communities, they are entirely distinct languages with different structures, grammar, and vocabulary. ASL originated from French Sign Language, while BSL was developed independently in the UK. The very different roots of the two languages has resulted in very little overlap between the two. In fact, a person fluent in ASL would not automatically understand BSL, and vice versa. For example, much of ASL (including the alphabet) is signed using one hand, while in contrast, the BSL alphabet requires two hands for finger spelling.
Alongside differences between ASL and BSL, there can often be regional differences in sign language and in order to ensure optimum inclusion, these differences should always be considered. All of these considerations emphasise the importance of working with interpreters who are fluent in the specific sign language used by the intended audience.
Promoting Accessibility
Sign language interpreting ensures that people who use sign language as their first or preferred language can fully understand and engage with video content. While captions and subtitles provide some assistance, they may not always convey the nuances, tone, or cultural expressions inherent in spoken language and sign language interpreting effectively bridges this gap. Both American and British sign language, whilst utilising gestures, also heavily rely on facial expression and lipreading elements. These nuances help to further enhance the meaning of what is being said – similar to varying tones of voice.
Advocating for Inclusion
Adding in-vision BSL or ASL to videos sends a strong message of inclusivity. Taking the time to ensure videos are fully accessible to all audiences shows respect for the deaf and hard of hearing community, and lets them know their needs are important. Adding sign language to videos also raises awareness amongst hearing audiences about the importance of accessibility and inclusion.
Video BSL and ASL Guidelines and Law
Sign language is a complex, expressive language with its own grammatical and syntactical rules. Interpreting educational, professional, or public service content ensures that a video is fully understood by sign language users. Much like closed captioning, in many countries, it’s actually a legal requirement under equality and anti-discrimination laws to provide accessible content for disabled viewers through sign language interpreting.
Video BSL & ASL Interpreting Services for Accessibility
At Capital Captions, we work with both American Sign Language and British Sign Language. We have experience catering to specific requirements around topic specialisms and video editing preferences. Contact us today to discuss your BSL and ASL requirements and get a quote for our fully packaged accessibility services.
