Facilitating communication: Exploring the role of sign language interpreter Jess Veal in eliminating obstacles
In the vibrant city of Berlin, sign language interpreter Jess Veal, who has been in the field for 15 years, is making a significant impact. Veal, who was born to deaf parents, has a unique ability to communicate in British Sign Language (BSL), American Sign Language (ASL), and German Sign Language (Deutsche Gebärdensprache, or DGS).
BSL, ASL, and DGS, while used in English-speaking countries, are distinct languages with their own origins, grammar, vocabulary, and mutual intelligibility. BSL, with roots dating back to the 16th century in the UK, has influenced sign languages of other Commonwealth countries such as Australia and New Zealand (Auslan and NZSL). ASL, on the other hand, traces its roots to French Sign Language, introduced to the US in the early 19th century. DGS, independent to Germany, has its own grammar and vocabulary, distinct from both BSL and ASL.
Veal's fluency in these languages has opened doors to diverse opportunities. She has interpreted high-profile events such as King Charles' coronation last year and works extensively in the film and television industry, interpreting for shoots, festivals, screenings, and behind-the-scenes work. Recently, her biggest clients have been in the gaming industry, including Germany's Gamescom, the world's largest video game convention.
Veal's journey to Berlin in 2021 has brought about a better work-life balance. She credits her regular exercises, massages, and meditation for helping combat the emotionally challenging nature of the job. However, Veal finds it challenging that sometimes she's not allowed to give her opinion or be herself as an interpreter.
Veal encourages people to learn sign language but asks that they learn from a deaf person to ensure that deaf people are employed. She can be followed on Instagram for resources about deafness and learning sign language. For more DGS signs, visitors can check out their website or download their app.
Interpreting, according to Veal, is a kind of osmosis - you're a stand-in for not only language but mood, tone, and feeling. Inside jokes are often created when Veal works on a longer job with deaf people. These shared experiences, even in the face of language barriers, foster a sense of community and camaraderie.
Veal has a sign name, a custom gesture that every person in the deaf community has, which typically incorporates a person's character traits. Despite common misconceptions, deaf people generally do not consider themselves disabled, and deafness is a spectrum, from the frequencies they can hear to the communication methods they might use.
Veal's side passion for DJing could soon merge with her professional life. She hopes to bring deaf people and the music world closer by increasing accessibility through interpretation and captioning, as well as things like VJing and SubPacs. Her friends had a great time at Berghain, a music club in Berlin, despite common misconceptions that deaf people can't access music.
The physicality of sign language can lead to high rates of burnout, such as Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), shoulder and back injuries, etc. However, Veal's love for her work and her dedication to her craft keep her going. After all, for Veal, sign language is more than just a means of communication - it's a way of life.
- Veal's expertise in BSL, ASL, and DGS has led to opportunities in diverse fields such as high-profile events, film and television, gaming industry, and even the world of entertainment.
- She strongly encourages people to learn sign language, emphasizing the importance of learning from a deaf person to ensure employment opportunities for the deaf community.
- Apart from her professional life, Veal enjoys DJing and believes it could merge with her work to bring deaf people closer to the music world by increasing accessibility.
- Inside jokes are often created among deaf colleagues while working, despite the challenging nature of the job, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.
- Deaf people, according to Veal, do not typically consider themselves disabled, and deafness is a spectrum that encompasses various communication methods and frequencies heard.
- Sign language, with its physical demands, can result in high rates of burnout, such as Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), shoulder, and back injuries, but Veal's passion for her work keeps her going.
- In her personal life, Veal finds balance through regular exercises, massages, and meditation to combat the emotionally challenging aspects of her job.
- Travel, shopping, personal growth, relationship building, career development, education, self-development, sports, weather – these are facets of a vibrant lifestyle that Veal experiences in Berlin, despite the occasional challenges she faces as a sign language interpreter.
