Say What Now?! Exploring the Curious Corners of English for Interpreters

" Say What Now?!" is a lively five-part CPD series created especially for BSL interpreters who want to dig deeper into the language they interpret every day. Through a mix of taught content, interactive exercises, and thoughtful discussion, we’ll explore grammar, linguistic quirks, historical roots, figurative turns of phrase, and the power of vocabulary choices.

Whether you’re newly qualified or an experienced practitioner, this series offers practical tools, fascinating insights, and space to sharpen your English-awareness in a way that directly supports your interpreting practice.

Discount aavailable until 09:00 on 27th December 2025 by using discount code ´`XMAS

Sessions Overview

Session 1: What Is Grammar, Anyway?

Taught content with student exercises
Date & Time: Wednesday 28th January 18:00-20:00

A refresher (or a first proper intro!) to the core building blocks of English grammar. We’ll look at word types, sentence structures, and the different “modes” English can shift into—helping interpreters become more intentional and observant in how English is used and constructed.

Learning outcomes:
Participants will be able to:

• Identify and use grammatical terminology with greater confidence (e.g. nouns, verbs, subjects, objects).
• Distinguish between active and passive voice and understand their effects on meaning.
• Compare Subject-Verb-Object structures with topic-comment structures.
• Recognise how sentence structure can influence tone, clarity, and interpretation choices.

Session 2: Native English Peculiarities

Taught content with group discussion
Date & Time: Wednesday 25th February 18:00-20:00

We speak it every day, but many English users are unaware of the subtle patterns we instinctively follow. This session uncovers the unspoken rules and social codes baked into English—from gendered speech patterns to the silent expectations of a ‘polite’ conversation.

Learning outcomes:
Participants will be able to:

• Identify implicit rules native speakers follow in conversation.
• Discuss how gender can influence language use and expectations.
• Apply Grice’s Maxims to understand conversational flow and meaning.
• Reflect on how these subtleties might affect interpretation choices and register shifts.

Session 3: The Evolution of English

Taught content with examples and discussion
Date & Time: Wednesday 25th March 18:00-20:00

Ever wondered why “debt” has a silent “b”? Or why “beef” comes from French but “cow” doesn’t? This session offers a mini-tour through the messy, fascinating history of English—and how that history shows up in everyday vocabulary and pronunciation.

Learning outcomes:
Participants will be able to:

• Describe key historical influences on English vocabulary (e.g. Latin, French, Norse).
• Explain spelling and pronunciation quirks with historical roots.
• Recognise how language change continues today and what that means for interpreters.
• Appreciate the layered nature of English and its vocabulary origins.

Session 4: Figurative Language and Word Building

Taught content with exercises
Date & Time: Wednesday 29th April 18:00-20:00

English is full of metaphor, irony, idioms, and wordplay—much of which doesn’t translate literally. This session explores how meaning is built and bent, and how roots, prefixes, and suffixes can help us decode unfamiliar words (especially in fields like healthcare and law).

Learning outcomes:
Participants will be able to:

• Identify and interpret figurative language, including metaphors, idioms, and irony.
• Recognise patterns in word formation using common prefixes, suffixes, and root words.
• Decode new or unfamiliar vocabulary using knowledge of etymology.
• Understand how figurative meaning can shift tone or emphasis in spoken English.

Session 5: Building Our Vocabulary

Taught content with discussion
Date & Time: Wednesday 27th May 18:00-20:00

How do we choose the ‘right’ word? When does register matter, and who gets to decide? This session takes a thoughtful look at vocabulary—from frequently misused terms to the power dynamics behind word choice. We’ll explore how language can include or exclude, and how we, as interpreters, can respond to that.

Learning outcomes:
Participants will be able to:

• Identify and discuss commonly misused or misunderstood English words.
• Explore register and tone in vocabulary choices, especially in professional contexts.
• Reflect on the concept of language privilege and bias.
• Make more conscious and informed decisions when choosing or interpreting English words.

Meet the Trainer

Kirsten McCarthy has been working as a BSL/English interpreter for 28 years, predominantly in and around Bristol, where she’s built strong connections within the local Deaf and interpreting communities. Over the course of her career, she has also taken on roles as an assessor, trained mentor, and professional standards advisor, supporting interpreters at various stages of their professional journey.

What truly drives Kirsten, though, is her love of language – particularly the quirks and intricacies of English. She has a knack for uncovering fascinating linguistic details and delights in sharing these insights with others, sparking curiosity and conversation wherever she goes.

Additional Information

• CPD Points: 10 x Structured
• Trainers: Kirsten McCarthy, RSLI
• Language: English
• Cameras: Preferably on
• Participation: Active – includes breakout rooms
• Recorded: No

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