International Translation Day takes place every year on the 30th September. It’s a day to celebrate the work of translators around the world. This year’s theme is “Translation, shaping a future you can trust”.
We sat down with an experienced Deaf Translator and Interpreter, Adam McCormick, who shares his outstanding journey from working at the BBC to becoming an accredited WFD–WASLI International Sign translator.
Please tell us a little about yourself
My name is Adam McCormick. I’m a Registered Sign Language Translator (RSLT) and Registered Sign Language Interpreter (RSLI). I’ve been working as a translator for over 15 years, and for the past seven years I’ve also been working as a Deaf interpreter.
When did you first decide you wanted to become a translator?
I had always wanted to work in sign language in some way, and when I first heard about the role of a Deaf interpreter, I knew immediately it was what I wanted to do. Early in my career I joined BBC Newsline in Belfast, where I began translating live news bulletins — often with only minutes of preparation. It was hectic and high-pressure, but the perfect environment for me to jump straight in, sharpen my skills, and learn how to present myself professionally. At that time there were three of us working in this area, but none of us were formally qualified, as qualifications simply didn’t exist for Deaf people then.
Around the same period, I also had the opportunity to work for Red Bee Media in London. I was paid to travel and interpret some of their programmes on national TV, including children’s shows, Panorama on the BBC, and Paralympics coverage. Those experiences were invaluable and gave me exposure to interpreting in a wide range of settings.
What is the process for becoming a BSL translator? What qualities do you need?
When the first BSL translation course was introduced, I joined the very first cohort. It was designed as an intensive programme for those already working in translation or with relevant experience, running through weekends across a year. That course gave me my first formal qualification.
In terms of qualities, it’s not just about reading and understanding text. You need the ability to read between the lines, to reflect meaning across languages, and to apply strong linguistic awareness when weighing up differences and similarities. Crucially, you need to be able to make fair, well-justified decisions when transferring meaning between languages.
Can you tell us what a typical day looks like?
Since Covid, I’ve been able to work full time as a translator and interpreter, leaving behind my teaching days. At first, I worried that demand might fade once lockdown ended, but I’ve remained busy ever since.
No two days are alike. I might be at a conference abroad, working closely with a technical team before interpreting live from a teleprompter. Another day might be devoted to a large policy project that takes days of preparation before I can begin translating. Sometimes I’ll handle a number of smaller projects in a single day, or interpret for a Deaf person in a court setting. Most of my work is now remote and home-based, which suits me well as I balance work with family life, including two young boys and my wife.
What’s your favourite type of project?
I don’t really have a single favourite. What I enjoy most is that every project is different. I do find myself leaning towards longer policy or document-based work, as it allows me to focus on how best to deliver the content linguistically. Video translation has its own challenges, especially keeping everything in sync, but I often enjoy the sense of achievement that comes from working through a difficult document and knowing I’ve delivered it well.
What do you love most about the work?
I love the mix of flexibility and adrenaline. With translation, I can work when it suits me, while interpreting requires me to be live with people, thinking on the spot — which is challenging but energising.
I enjoy the intellectual side too: working between languages, exploring how to create a meaningful translation, and navigating dilemmas or cultural conflicts. Being part of a strong community of Deaf translators and interpreters is also rewarding, as we’re able to support one another. Recently, I’ve begun working in VRS/VRI, which is particularly satisfying as it often provides urgent, on-demand support that can make a real difference in people’s lives. I value being part of a team in that setting as well.
With the rise in AI, how do you see the future for BSL translators and translation?
I’m not overly concerned about AI replacing Deaf translators. My bigger concern is safeguarding: that AI could be used in ways Deaf people don’t realise, putting them at a disadvantage or leaving them vulnerable.
That said, I do see a potential role for sign language AI in the future. But it must involve Deaf experts at every stage to ensure it develops appropriately. At the moment, many systems are built on spoken language models, which simply don’t work for sign languages. A new model is needed — and if it’s designed with Deaf expertise at its core, the possibilities could be exciting.
Why is BSL translation important?
For many Deaf people, sign language is their first language, and written English may not be fully accessible. Providing translations ensures equal access to vital information. It also raises the profile of sign language and the Deaf community as a whole.
Even for those of us who can read English, sign language remains our “heart” language. Accessing information in BSL is easier, more natural, and connects at a deeper level.
Any tips for people wanting to become BSL translators?
First and foremost, you need a real passion for languages. If you don’t enjoy working with language, this isn’t the right profession. It’s not just about being in front of a camera — there’s much more to it. And it’s a career of lifelong learning. You have to embrace ongoing development and be ready to keep building your skills.
You’re also an International Sign translator and interpreter. Can you tell us about that?
My journey into International Sign grew from my exposure to Deaf communities abroad and from personal life too — I married my wife, who is from Belgium, and we used to communicate in IS. In fact, we even said our vows in IS.
Professionally, I was encouraged — and at times practically pushed — into International Sign interpreting assignments, where, much like my early days at the BBC, I had to learn quickly. It was an eye-opening experience, especially in terms of processing and developing new strategies for interpreting.
Over time, these experiences gave me the confidence to apply for WFD–WASLI accreditation, which I was proud to achieve.
Thank you, Adam. Happy International Translation Day to all of the talented translators and language professionals that work hard to breakdown barriers!
If you would like to learn more about translation and how to make your content more accessible, visit our translation page and get in touch.
