3 min read
Glossary of performance interpreting terms
Common terms and acronyms you'll encounter in performance interpreting, demystified.
BSL — British Sign Language. The natural language of the UK Deaf community.
ISL — Irish Sign Language. Used by the Deaf community in Ireland; distinct from BSL.
RSLI — Registered Sign Language Interpreter. NRCPD-registered, qualified to interpret professionally.
TSLI — Trainee Sign Language Interpreter. NRCPD-registered while working toward full RSLI registration.
RSLT / TSLT — Registered / Trainee Sign Language Translator. Specialist in translating between English and BSL in recorded or scripted forms.
Deaf performer — A Deaf person performing in BSL on stage or screen. Distinct from a hearing interpreter; performance interpreters often co-work with Deaf performers.
Performance interpreting — Interpreting in live or recorded performance contexts: music, theatre, festivals, comedy, drag, political events, sport, broadcast. Distinct from community or conference interpreting.
CPD — Continuing Professional Development. NRCPD requires registered interpreters to maintain a CPD record.
Mentoring — One-to-one development relationship between an interpreter and a more experienced practitioner. Distinct from supervision.
Supervision — Reflective space for processing the emotional, ethical and professional dimensions of practice. Distinct from mentoring or skills development.
Song Club — PI Academy's free, small-group cohort programme for interpreters exploring music interpreting.
Pathway (Personalised Pathway) — PI Academy's structured development plan matching an interpreter to the right mentors and supervisors for their goals.
Residential — Multi-day immersive CPD course, typically with overnight accommodation included, allowing deeper practice and peer learning.