Why you should learn sign language

Chloe_Scope

Today, 23rd September, is International Day of Sign Languages. This has been marked by the United Nation with the aim to promote sign language. 

The International Day of Sign Languages is an unique opportunity to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all deaf people and other sign language users. 

In 2020, the World Federation of the Deaf is issuing a Global Leaders Challenge. 

This challenge aims to promote the use of sign languages by local, national, and global leaders in partnership with national associations of deaf people in each country, as well as other deaf-led organisations.

Do you know sign language?

Despite only knowing the basics, I can't say I'm very good at British Sign Language (BSL). However, there have been numerous times where I have been able to help someone as a result of my limited knowledge.

Around 50,000 people in the UK use British Sign Language. Yet why isn't BSL taught in schools? With 97% of young people in support of BSL being a GCSE, it's surprising that this isn't the case.

BSL was recognised as a language in its own right by the UK government in 2003.

Whilst it is not a mandatory part of the curriculum, schools are free to teach it if they choose to do so.

We recognise and acknowledge that British Sign Language can be a beneficial subject that schools can choose to teach.

However, in 2018 there was breakthrough in the Right to Sign campaign, with the government agreeing that BSL would be a GCSE before 2022. So I guess we will have to wait and see!

Where can I learn sign language?

There are actually a lot of ways that you can learn BSL online or through a course. Here are some of the ways you can pick up the basics:

• Introducing British Sign Language (online course)
• Free online resources to learn BSL 
• School of Sign Language
• British Sign Language dictionary (search the word or phase you want to learn to view a video)
• BSL picture dictionary  (look up words to view a picture explaining the sign)

Do you have any experiences to share? Should everyone be taught sign language? What sign will you learn today? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Tori_Scope

I'd love to learn sign language! I wish we'd learnt it in school. Thanks for linking the resources  

willow12

I learnt sign language when 1 of my sons was about 3 as he has downs syndrome so I could communicate with him 

willow12

Makaton sign language classes I took I really enjoyed it 

Parrot123

Tori_Scope said:

I'd love to learn sign language! I wish we'd learnt it in school. Thanks for linking the resources  

@Tori_Scope I have been looking online for a course. I learned makaton. From a wee boy with Autism but it was his own version. Is it free?? Ty? 

Tori_Scope

Hi @Parrot123! The Introducing BSL course that Chloe linked is currently 'pay what you can', as they appreciate that a lot of people are struggling with money at the moment. You can also use the other resources linked at the bottom of the post to learn words and phrases for free I hope that helps? Or were you looking for a free Makaton course? 

willow12

I done my makaton course free of charge at our local sure start centre it was 6 week course that was years ago 

roberttaylor570

I once held a School Governor post at a school for the deaf.  One day during "circle time", one of the pupils asked if I would like to learn sign language so they could talk to me more easily.  I had to explain I had poor sight and as much as I would love to learn it, I would not be able to see what they were signing to me.  That one exchange brought a greater understanding of each other's needs and capabilities.  

I agree it would be a useful aid for most people to have and would make us all better together.

Deresha

Makaton was my sons first language, as he had no voice. He can talk now but still signs too.  He’s 9 years old and has just started learning BSL too.  He’s a natural. We have sign only hours as part of our home education day. The bsl dictionary is open on the iPad for the hour if we need it, it’s good fun and makes you think.

Ross_Scope

Thanks for sharing @Deresha, that's fantastic I'm glad your son is doing so well, is he enjoying learning it?  

Deresha

@Ross_Scope hi yes very much so. If sign-only hours follow his booooring English lessons he flies through them. Maybe we will give sign only English lessons a go. Haha.

Ross_Scope

I'm glad he is enjoying it @Deresha, it will be a great skill for him to have.

WestHam06

Hi @Chloe_Scope, 
                               Thank you for sharing this, I wish we had had the opportunity to learn BSL at school. I have just started to learn the basics as I hope that this will enable me to help others. Thank you.

Chloe_Scope

I hope it's going okay @WestHam06! It's always something I knew more of.