For sign language interpreters, working between languages is only part of the challenge. Culture plays an equally significant role, shaping communication, expectations, and professional norms. But what happens when an interpreter relocates to a new country and must navigate a completely different cultural and linguistic landscape—not just in their work, but in their daily life?
At The Together Conference 2025, interpreter Brett Best will share her insights in the snapshot session: "Working Between Worlds: Negotiating Cultures"
This session will explore the personal, professional, and linguistic complexities that interpreters face when they move abroad, offering strategies to balance cultural integration with professional neutrality.
Interpreting Beyond Borders: More Than Just Language
Interpreting is more than simply relaying words and signs between languages; it requires deep cultural understanding and adaptation. For interpreters who relocate to a new country, the rules change—and not just linguistically.
✅ New sign languages, dialects, and idiomatic expressions – Even if an interpreter is fluent in a sign language, they must adjust to regional variations and cultural nuances.
✅ Different expectations in the interpreting profession – Standards, professional ethics, and interpreter roles can vary significantly between countries.
✅ Adapting to local Deaf community norms – Building trust takes time, and cultural misunderstandings can create barriers if not navigated carefully.
✅ Finding balance between integration and identity – How do interpreters assimilate into a new professional landscape while still honouring their own background and expertise?
Brett Best, an ASL/BSL/English interpreter and researcher based in the UK, has first-hand experience with these challenges. With a background in conference interpreting, politics, and higher education, she has worked in both the US and the UK, giving her unique insight into the shifting boundaries of culture, identity, and professional practice.
How Do You Stay Professional While Adapting to a New Culture?
The blurred boundaries between cultural integration and professional neutrality are difficult to navigate. This session will unpack the complexities of working in an unfamiliar cultural and linguistic space while maintaining:
✅ Professional integrity – Adapting to new norms while upholding professional standards.
✅ Cultural humility – Recognising what you don’t know and learning from local communities.
✅ Effective strategies for adaptation – How to build trust, establish credibility, and develop authentic relationships with local Deaf communities.
✅ Self-awareness in cross-cultural work – How to acknowledge and manage personal biases when working in unfamiliar environments.
This snapshot session will be a must-attend for interpreters who have relocated, work internationally, or want to understand the role culture plays in interpreting practice. Whether you’re an experienced interpreter or just starting out, this session will offer practical insights for navigating the realities of cross-cultural work.
Join the Conversation at The Together Conference 2025!
📅 Date: 28th June 2025
🌍 Presented in: English (Interpretations in BSL, IS, French and Spanish)
🔗 Explore the full programme & book your ticket now: https://www.thetogetherconference.co.uk/tickets2025
Interpreting across cultures is about more than just knowing the language—it's about understanding the people, the expectations, and the invisible rules that shape communication.
Come and learn how to work between worlds with confidence, adaptability, and respect!
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