The Fascinating History of British Sign Language

Did you know that British Sign Language has a history that dates back centuries? This blog post will look at the fascinating history of this unique form of communication. We will explore how it developed over time and the vital role that it has played in the lives of deaf people in Britain.

So, if you’re interested in learning more about British Sign Language, then be sure to read on!

The Fascinating History of British Sign Language

British Sign Language (BSL) history can be traced back to the early 1800s. At that time, several different signing systems were in use in Britain. One of the most popular was a system known as “deaf and dumb language”, developed by deaf people in London.

This system was based on French Sign Language and was used by several deaf schools in the capital.

However, the system began to break down in the mid-19th century as more deaf people from different parts of Britain started to arrive in London. This led to a need for a new, unified signing system that all deaf people in the country could use. In 1877, a conference was held in Manchester to discuss this very issue.

It was decided that a new signing system should be developed at the conference. This system would be based on the natural movement of the hands and would be easy to learn. It was also decided that this new system should be called British Sign Language.

Over the next few years, British Sign Language began to be used in deaf schools and quickly became the most widely used form of communication among deaf people in Britain.

Today, British Sign Language is used by over 145,000 people in the UK and is recognised as an official language by the British government. It is also one of the most popular languages to learn, with over 500,000 people taking classes each year.

Is British Sign Language Hard?

Not at all. British Sign Language (BSL) is not hard. BSL is composed of

BSL fingerspelling alphabet and it is one of the easiest languages to learn. There are only a few thousand signs in BSL, and they are all very logical. The grammar is also elementary. However, like any language, it takes time and practice to become proficient in it like any language.

How to Learn British Sign Language?

There are a few ways to go about learning British Sign Language (BSL) Alphabets. One way is to take a sign language course offered at many colleges and universities. You can also find a tutor or join a BSL community group.

And lastly, you could always try teaching yourself by deciding to learn BSL online.

If you want to learn at your own pace and time, then teaching yourself BSL is a great option. Many resources are available online, such as books, websites, and videos. You could also join an online community of BSL learners, which can be a great way to practice and make friends.

Learning BSL can be a fun and rewarding experience, no matter which method you choose. It’s a great way to communicate with deaf or hard of hearing people and learn about a different culture.

So why not give it a try? You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it!

 British Sign Language has come a long way since it was first documented in the 17th century. It is now an official language of the UK, and many deaf people also use it to communicate with each other. While there are still some challenges facing BSL users, such as lack of recognition and funding, the language continues to grow and develop.

We hope that this blog post has given you a better understanding of British Sign Language and its history.