BSL is an abbreviation for British Sign Language; this is the native language, it is estimated, of between 50 and 70 thousand Deaf people here in the UK. The term to describe these people collectively is ‘The Deaf Community’.
BSL has been proven through research to be a full language in its own right. It is the 4th indigenous language of the UK and work still continues to ensure that the status of BSL is
on an equal basis with the UK's spoken languages.
It has its own grammaticality and is a visual language that uses reference points, mouth patterns, facial expressions, eye and eyebrow movements, body movements, and range of hand shapes to convey meaning.
The language does have some borrowings from English as well –- for example, Finger spelling.
BSL was officially recognised as a complete language in its own right by the Labour Government in 2003. It is undeniably, a beautiful, rich and complex language.
If you are interested in learning BSL then please contact your local Deaf Centre / Organisation or Community College.
