British sign language

British Sign Language (BSL)

British Sign Language (BSL) is a sign language used in the United Kingdom (UK), and is the first or preferred language of some deaf people in the UK.

Pronunciation

As a visual-gestural language, BSL does not have a traditional pronunciation as in spoken languages. Instead, it is expressed through specific hand shapes, movements, and facial expressions.

Etymology

The term "British Sign Language" is derived from the fact that it is the sign language used in the United Kingdom. It is distinct from other sign languages used around the world, including American Sign Language (ASL) and Australian Sign Language (Auslan).

Related Terms

• Sign Language: A visual means of communicating using gestures, facial expression, and body language. Sign Language is used mainly by people who are deaf or have hearing impairments.
• Deaf: A term used to describe a person who has severe hearing impairment.
• American Sign Language (ASL): A sign language used predominantly in the United States and parts of Canada.
• Australian Sign Language (Auslan): The sign language of the Australian Deaf community.

History

British Sign Language has been in use since at least the 18th century. It has evolved over time and has regional variations. It was recognised as a language in its own right by the UK government in 2003.

Usage

BSL is used by about 151,000 adults in the UK. It is also used by children and young people, and by family members and friends of the Deaf community. BSL users have their own cultural and linguistic identity.

Grammar

BSL has its own grammar that is different from English. It uses a topic-comment structure and has a specific syntax. It also uses facial expressions and body language to convey meaning.

Learning BSL

There are many resources available for learning BSL, including courses, books, and online materials. The British Deaf Association (BDA) and the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) provide information and support for learning BSL.

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