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BSL (British Sign Language)

Let me first say that I'm not sure if this thread is in the right place but..hey...never mind...

I was searching TSR for sign language threads but they are all marked 'closed' so I was wondering....who out there uses/is learning BSL?

I've just started (I can fingerspell well and can do the lower numbers, up to 999, and know a few signs) and just thought that this might be a good way for me to extend my knowledge of how BSL works, how it differs from English (because I know that the grammar is different), learn some signs (v. difficult from just descriptions but i'm willing to try) and read about what everyone else thinks too....

so...get posting!!!! :smile:

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Reply 1

Fire Point

I wanted to learn but there is no facility for learning properly in my area so I can say simple phrases that help me chat during school lectures.

Reply 2

Juno

I want to learn, but the only courses are really expensive!

Reply 3

screenager

I started learning it when I was young but I only went for a few months and I have forgotten most of it now, I can only remember the alphabet.

Reply 4

Lil' Miss Smiley

I actually am very fluent in BSL and am a Teacher of the Deaf. When I did begin to learn BSL classes where very hard to find and very expensive. It is however I am pleasedto say much better.

A tip for practising your fingerpelling - spell out labels and signs etc. Practise in front of the mirror especially for facial expressions and good luck.

Reply 5

Two Tone

I'd love to learn, but I don't know where. The only place that does lessons in cam that I have found is miles away and a pig to get to.

Reply 6

Lil' Miss Smiley

Two Tone

I'd love to learn, but I don't know where. The only place that does lessons in cam that I have found is miles away and a pig to get to.

The only way to get lessons closer is to hassle all colleges and learning centres. The more people ask, they will eventually give in and have them.

Reply 7

lostinfantasies

I used to do Level One up until last Monday, but was forced to quit because of college work :/.

It was really interesting though :biggrin:

Reply 8

Unregistered

lostinfantasies

I used to do Level One up until last Monday, but was forced to quit because of college work :/.

It was really interesting though :biggrin:

I do,

I'm in the middle (well actually 4th week) of level one. The course is free to me as I am aged 16 - 18 :biggrin:

Reply 9

Cazzi

I NEED to learn, as im parcially deaf..but there simply are no facilities around to help me learn :frown:

Reply 10

nonsenseandmischief

Wow, i never realised how difficult it was to find courses. I'm doing mine at uni tho, and i suppose that now i come to think about it, it wasn't something that i'd ever heard a lot about before. Its really interesting tho, although it can be very frustrating coz ur so used to being able to jst shout "aaargh...i dnt understand" but in BSL there is no asking for help unless you sign it (well obviously they would help you if you got really stuck, but that defies the point). I'd recommend it to anyone (providing they can find a course that is :rolleyes:

Reply 11

mypaperheart

I'd love to learn :biggrin:

but nowhere near me does it :frown:

Reply 12

mrteacher

i d love to learn it too... it's just amazing. i know a little bit.
can anyone suggest a book with a CD rom please? for beginners!

Reply 13

Sarky

I planned to learn at the local adult education college where i am at uni but i couldn't afford the fees. :frown:

Reply 14

mrteacher

it is quite expensive where i live too. something like 10 pounds an hour

Reply 15

Juno

mrteacher

it is quite expensive where i live too. something like 10 pounds an hour

That's cheap! It's £350 for a 10 hour course here!

Reply 16

mrteacher

pfff thats a lot of money. the thing with BSL is that you need to practise wth deaf people and sometimes that isn't available to anyone

Reply 17

xyon

I did my level 1 last year and have continued onto the level 2 course. Level 1 is pretty straightforward, learning lots of vocabulary and getting a feel for signing. I'd say level 2 is more about focusing on the correct way of signing, like making sure you're not using English, but instead proper British Sign Language, and just building up your vocabularly even further.

If you're 18 and under and still in full time education you can do BSL for free at college, and you can also do the other courses that make up 'Level 1 Deaf Studies' for free, such as Deaf Awareness, Deaf Community & Culture, and Communication Tactics. These other courses are useful to do as they teach you more about Deaf issues, which can help you when working Deaf issues into your BSL exams; they will also help you if you want to work with Deaf people as you will be more desirable/employable due to your Deaf awareness and understanding about their culture.

The CACDP (Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People) website (http://www.cacdp.org.uk) has a 'Find a Course' section, allowing you to search for colleges where their courses are offered.

Reply 18

Lil' Miss Smiley

BSL is also good for signing to someone across a crowded room. No need to shout just sign.

However, having a private conversation when there is a lot of signers about is virtually impossible.

As for books and CDRoms, vids etc. There is a Book Club called Forest and they have a great range of resources.

Reply 19

Fluffy

I can sign a little - but it's mostly finger spelling and the odd random sentence. Rather embarrisingly I told someone I was a police woman the other day, rather than a medical student!

I'm hoping to do a proper course over the summer holidays though...

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