Sign Language Week is an awareness week which is held on an annual basis in the month of March to celebrate the anniversary of the recognition of BSL by the British Government in March 2003. The act did not grant legal status but acknowledged its cultural and linguistic importance in the United Kingdom.
The BDA, who run Sign Language Week, have this year chosen the awareness week to focus on the notion that BSL is: More than a language: culture, community and belonging. Namely, BSL is not simply a communication method, but rather a place to belong, and feel seen. Through raising awareness, the narrative of the language can be changed, fostering greater recognition, accessibility, and inclusion for BSL and the Deaf community.
How is BSL more than a language?
It is believed by some that sign language is solely a way to communicate, however, BSL goes beyond this- it embodies a history, a shared experience, and a strong sense of identity. Through sign language, Deaf individuals can express their emotions and participate fully in the community.
The sign language qualifications we offer ensure that the Deaf community to feel seen and heard in a way that mainstream society can sometimes fail to provide.
Changing the narrative:
Although formally recognised in 2003 and legally recognised as a language of England, Scotland, and Wales in 2022, BSL users continue to face barriers in aspects of life including employment, healthcare, and access to public services in general. Due to a lack of widespread deaf awareness, issues regarding accessibility continue to rise, leading to Deaf individuals being isolated. Indeed, this is why it is important to celebrate Sign Language Week, to increase accessibility that can sometimes lack in workplaces and public services.
Through highlighting the cultural aspects of BSL, Sign Language Week aims to shift perceptions and encourage a greater understanding of Deaf culture.
Debunking the myths:
There are some common misconceptions regarding BSL, it is time to debunk these:
- BSL is NOT a universal language: Sign language is like any other language in the sense that is different in most countries and even in regions.
- BSL is NOT the same as Makaton: BSL is a language in its own right, it has its own grammatical structure, syntax, and vocabulary, unlike Makaton which is a communication system that uses a combination of symbols and signs. Makaton is most commonly used to help those with communication difficulties, whereas BSL is the language of the Deaf.
- Only Deaf people can use BSL– INCORRECT: The BDA estimates that there is 151,000 people in the UK who use BSL and of these 87,000 are deaf. BSL is such a rich language, that is used not only by Deaf people but also by family members, those who want to pursue a career in BSL interpreting and many more.
How to support Sign Language Week:
- Learn some basic sign language: Learning a handful of signs can help those who use BSL to feel appreciated and included. Try out our BSL for Beginners pack for only £9.99. The immersive course introduces BSL and deaf awareness using a range of informal clips, receptive practice, and short quizzes.
- Making reasonable adjustments: If you are an employer, it is crucial that you make reasonable adjustments to your workplace to ensure everyone is equal in the workplace. Examples of adjustments include: Adjusting the layout of a meeting room and using good lighting to help the employee with lipreading.
- Download our free resources, including posters and flashcards. These are available to download from the Signature website.
Ultimately, Sign Language Week serves as a vital platform to celebrate not only the language but the rich history and cultural significance of the language. Although BSL was legally recognised in 2022, the Deaf community still faces barriers in accessibility, which Sign Language Week aims to address by highlighting the notion that BSL is a representation of identity and community. Through insightful education and advocacy, we can help create a society that is more inclusive and possesses more equal opportunities.
