British Sign Language
The alphabet was created as an interactive resource for the curriculum as well as BSL, Deaf History and Academy timelines, How we Hear and Deaf Culture presentations.
BSL is a visual language used by Deaf people. It is a language in its own right and has a completely different structure to English. It is not universal and most countries have their own sign language. In fact, BSL differs in each region.
There are up to 70,000 Deaf people who use BSL as their preferred and first language but it is thought that up to 250,000 people use BSL on a daily basis.
BSL - The Facts
• BSL means British Sign Language. BSL is the most widely used method of signed communication used by Deaf people in the UK.
• As BSL is a visual language with movement, it is impossible to learn BSL from a leaflet or a book.
• BSL uses both manual and non-manual components, hand shapes and movements, facial expression and shoulder movements.
• BSL is structured in a completely different way to English, and like any language it has its own grammar.
• Lip patterns are very important, you can have the same sign for 2 different words but the lip pattern will show the meaning.
• Finger spelling is used in BSL, it is used to spell out names of people and places etc. Finger spelling alone is not sign language.
• Sign Language is not universal, just as different countries use their own spoken language they also have their own sign language.
• BSL has many regional variations. Many signs will have different meanings in different parts of the country.
