Sandra Pratt

Sandra Pratt is a Senior Lecturer and Program Leader for the BA Hons British Sign Language related degrees at the University of Wolverhampton, Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences, School of Social Science, Humanities & Creative Industries. She teaches on both the BA British Sign Language and MA Interpreting courses. In addition to her academic role, she is a registered British Sign Language interpreter with the NRCPD, engaging in various interpreting activities while bringing practical experience to her teaching.

Education:

• MA in Applied Linguistics, (Merit) - University of Nottingham
• Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education - University of Wolverhampton
• BA (Hons) Interpreting British Sign Language/English (First class) - University of Wolverhampton
• National Vocational Qualification in British Sign Language Level 4 (Now Level 6) - CACDP, Durham University
• National Vocational Qualification in British Sign Language Interpreting Level 4 (Now Level 6) - CACDP, Durham University

Sandra Pratt's research focuses on interpreter education, language and culture, and learners' linguistic and cultural identities. She investigates how cultural understanding develops among British Sign Language learners and examines intercultural communication competence in language learning. Her work also explores religious interpreting and the use of 'portraits' in qualitative research to understand interpreter experiences. As a part-time doctoral researcher, she is investigating British Sign Language learners' perspectives on language and culture development, contributing valuable insights to deaf education and interpreter training.

Pratt's scholarly contributions reveal a strong focus on diversity, representation, and cultural understanding within the sign language interpreting profession. Her recent work examines demographic trends in the UK interpreting profession, student interpreter readiness for professional practice, and the importance of diverse representation in language education. She has also edited several conference proceedings addressing cultural aspects of interpreting, medical interpreting, and interpreter versatility across different settings.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• Lecturer of the Year 2022 (Faculty of Arts Business and Social Sciences)
• Lecturer of the Year 2019 (Faculty of Social Sciences)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)

Sandra Pratt has served as an External Examiner for the University of Sussex and has been editor/co-editor for multiple efsli conference proceedings. She is actively involved in professional development through her membership in the Association of Sign Language Interpreters (ASLI), the Interpreters of Colour Network (IOCN), and the British Association of Applied Linguists (BAAL). Her industry experience as a registered Sign Language Interpreter with NRCPD and as a freelance interpreter enriches her academic work and student mentorship.

As a dedicated educator with nearly 20 years of experience, Pratt has developed curriculum and assessment approaches for British Sign Language and interpreter training programs. She is recognized for her commitment to addressing diversity and representation issues in interpreter education, particularly highlighted in her work with the Interpreters of Colour Network following the Black Lives Matter movement's impact on the profession.