Interpreters
An interpreter is an individual who translates one language into another, or in this case, speech into sign or written language. The interpreter for the deaf must learn hand gestures for different words, which enables better communication with the deaf.
There are 70,000 people in the UK believed to use sign language and interpreters are needed for these people so that hearing people can understand and vice versa. These interpreters improve communication between family and friends, giving the hard of hearing and those around them a fuller, more communicative life.
In addition to sign language interpreters for the deaf there are also stenographers and palantypists who site in meetings, seminars and other important situations. They use a specialised machine to type simultaneously with speakers, which then reproduce the speech on a screen for the hearing impaired to read. Interpreters for the deaf are highly dedicated and trained, to practice they must be accredited by a number of official bodies.
