Definition and Origin
Sign Language in the UK belongs to the language family known as BANZSL (British, Australian and New Zealand Sign Language) and is the chosen method of communication for the majority of Deaf people. In the UK this is known as British Sign Language; more commonly referred to as BSL. Elsewhere in the world, most countries have their own version of sign language; ASL, for American Sign Language, or ISL, for Irish Sign Language.
British Sign Language, or BSL, is used by up to 70,000 individuals across the UK and was officially recognised as a language in its own right by the government in March of 2003. The language, like all languages, has its own subtle dialectic variations from region to region. These variations can be significant enough so that users of BSL in England may not understand some of the signals used by BSL users in Scotland, and vice versa.
Method of Communication
BSL is a language that, instead of using words, uses hand movements and shapes in combination with facial expressions to communicate. It can be observed during some television broadcasts in much the same way we see subtitles for films in other languages.
The Role of BSL
BSL plays a vital role in providing individuals with a means to both understand and communicate information. And, as the world becomes ever more saturated with information outlets, it is important that this facility is maintained. Everyone has the right to access information that is relevant to them. Everyone also has the right to free speech. Without such a thing as BSL, upwards of 70,000 people in the UK would be without either of these rights.
Who uses BSL?
And it’s not just Deaf people who use BSL either, contrary to popular belief. We often find family members or partners of Deaf individuals using BSL as a means to communicate and interact with their loved ones, as well as colleagues of Deaf people and people who work within the Deaf community.
Provision of BSL Interpreters by Prestige Network
Prestige is one of the largest providers of BSL/English interpreters to many Public Sector organisations such as Local Councils and Government Departments, Police, NHS and hospitals, Charities and Law Courts; and also to many commercial businesses.
Find out more about Prestige Network British Sign language/English interpreters.
