Why are you learning BSL?
Why did you decide to learn British Sign Language? Share your BSL story with the community.
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By Tongu Silence · Posted
Hi, I'm learning BSL as I suffer with sporadic mutism. Sometimes it is situational or that awful word 'Selective' (who in their right mind would select such as disability). Sometimes it is very situational, for instance I cannot place my food order with a waitress and sometimes can't even order a pint at a bar(massive disability). I did an introductory post detailing more, but would love to meet anyone who also suffers mutism or helps someone with mutism. -
By Tongu Silence · Posted
Hi everyone, I'm Tongu as in 'Tongu Silence' (Tongue Silence) also known as Simon. I suffer sporadic situational mutism and am currently in a bout of it. It is very different because not everyone I meet will do BSL. But when it strikes which is normally in an instant it so so depressing I've got to do something. I'm embarking on BSL mainly so I can communicate with my wife more easily. The History I'm semi formally diagnosed as on the autistic spectrum due to having a son who is and apparently autistic people are more prone to mutism. It first occurred at about 35 (now 65) during a phase of nervous exhaustion through massive overwork (12hrs a day 7 days a week for 14 months). I had periods of a few days when I could not speak. My mind has no knowledge of how to form words, so can't even whisper. I can think them and write/type them, but not make any form of mouth movement to say them. It happened again in my late fifties with three main bouts, one of four months and two lasting five months. since then it just seems to pop up whenever, but truth be known, there is always some sort of stress or external pressure on me just before it occurs. It is so different from deafness(which must also be devastating) because it is those I interact with who need to accommodate my situation. I guess deaf people can learn to lip read of have medical devices to assist, but for mutism there is nothing. It is also hard to find help because 'generically' it is more common in children, so there is little help for adults and mainly that focuses no therapies to avoid it. But sadly nothing to help when it strikes. I get by with use of AAC apps on my phone and tablets, which after trying everything I could find, settled on a VERY VERY good one which was most modestly priced. So ,go I could swap profiles and run the counter in a busy garage I ran with it. Customers were only asked to give me a little more time. All were deeply complimentary to me and the garage for demonstrating just what can be overcome if one adapts and tries. In joining the forum, I'm hoping I might meet some others in the same situation and many more who will nurture my learning over the coming years. I can then use my knowledge to spread the word and attempt to get local organisation to learn some basics and adopt procedures which accommodate those with more hidden accessibility needs. -
Hi, I am Naf and I have always wanted to learn sign language especially after working with a SEN student who suffered from hearing loss 2 years ago. I was assigned to be her 1 to 1 and support her learning on a daily basis. I learnt how to sign from simple communication to slightly complex story-telling level in order to provide a more inclusive environment. -
Have you tried the BSL dictionary? https://www.signbsl.com/sign/pretty -
Hello everybody, I am from UK, born in Skipton, Yorkshire. I was born profoundly deaf, but because my parents decided to send me to hearing schools, I never learnt BSL. Parents had to take me from one school to another. I was so unhappy in the schools because none of the chldren understood me and I struggled to learn anything from teachers who made no effort to help me understand. It was a lonely experience being in hearing schools in those days. Now, as an elder, the little hearing I have is worsening, because I have tinnitus. So, I am studying the online British-Sign course to learn BSL. In the past I never saw my deafness as a handicap, but more as a gift. Being Deaf enabled me to find out who I truly was. I became a professional ballerina despite being profoundly deaf, and later in life I taught many deaf and hearing people to dance and to gain confidence; to believe in themselves. I was recently on an episode of 'See Hear.' Series 45, Episode 1, called Love and Dating. My professional name was Nina Falaise. My married name is Nina Cooper. These days, I use my visual skills in art and in my observation and love of nature. Best wishes to you all, Nina -
Ready to refresh your BSL Level 1 skills? Join our BSL Level 1 Refresher with Yatz! Monday 20th July 6–9pm Just £30 A relaxed, one-off session designed to help you revisit key Level 1 vocabulary, strengthen your conversational skills, and build confidence in more advanced signing. Perfect if you've already completed Level 1 and want to refresh your knowledge before progressing further. Secure your spot now: www.remark.uk.com/bsl-courses/level-1-refresher-20th-july-2026 -
hello all i am relatively new here. I'm wondering if anyone uses the BSL Video Chat, because everytime i am here, i do not see anyone engaged on it -
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Hi Megan, Just thought I would send you a quick comment, saying, your not alone. I know several people who prefer BSL to talking because its to the point, there is no small talk to think about, no in between word fillers to think about, so completely understand. hope your journey through BSL helps you in more ways than you can imagine.
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