Jump to content

  • BSL Forum
    Video Chat
    Fingerspelling
    Game
    Create an
    Animation
    Print a
    Word
    Make a
    Word Search
    Fingerspelling
    Alphabet
    Online BSL
    Course

Why have I decided to learn BSL?

ChloeCourtney
 Share

Recommended Posts

ChloeCourtney Newbie

ChloeCourtney

Posted
Posted

Hi there!

My first interest in learning sign language began when I was 15. I was involved in a youth group with many young Deaf people and went on to do work experience with the charity. We all found it hard to communicate with each other and often found ourselves writing things down or using an interpreter. I picked up a few signs whilst spending time with them, but they never had the chance to teach me properly as they didn't know where to start. Currently, I work in a bar, which is hard enough to communicate with hearing customers due to the noise, so I can only imagine how hard it is for those who are deaf. I feel that by learning sign language, if a Deaf person enters the bar, they will feel more comfortable in ordering their food and drinks and will not have to worry about trying to lip read off their server asking what they would like or how much their total is. I also feel that it will help me get close to those I was in the group with again as I often pass them in town and we never get to have a full conversation as we still struggle.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Latest Posts

    • Anna879
      Hey there! learning BSL

      By Anna879 · Posted

       
    • GloZ
      BSL Interpreters Needed – London

      By GloZ · Posted

      We are looking for experienced BSL Interpreters to join an exciting long-term accessibility project for a leading global streaming platform. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to making film and television more accessible for the Deaf community by supporting the development of future BSL accessibility solutions across a wide range of entertainment content. Project Details Location: Recording studio in London (London-based candidates preferred) Timeline: Approximately August–December (5 months) Working hours: Studio sessions between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM (BST) Commitment: Approximately 100 hours per participant Rate: USD $75/hour Please note: The recordings are intended for internal development and research purposes and will not be used directly as the final BSL interpretation presented to viewers. Requirements Native or highly proficient British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter. Comfortable contributing to an innovative accessibility initiative. Available to attend recording sessions in London. Willing to sign the project’s confidentiality and release agreements. If you’re passionate about improving accessibility and would like to contribute to the future of BSL accessibility for film and television, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now by registering through our scheduling portal and sharing your availability. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected] Thank you!
    • Stevie B
      Never Too Old To Learn...

      By Stevie B · Posted

      I work within a Learning Support Service in a College local to me. We occasionally get students with hearing impairments, and one or two have used BSL. Sheer frustration at not being able to communicate effectively with these students has led me to spend the Summer recess starting to learn BSL. I won't be expert by the time the students come back, but at least I might be able to have simple conversations with those who use BSL and develop my skills as I go along.
    • Fairy Ace
      I think we should all learn BSL

      By Fairy Ace · Posted

      I’m learning BSL online with the Introduction to BSL course. I’ve always wanted to learn it (I’ve known fingerspelling since my teens). But since the documentary with Rose Ayling-Ellis, and taking to a fundraiser at Manchester Victoria, I think everyone should learn BSL. Some of my relatives and friends are slightly hard of hearing, my voice isn’t loud, and it can be hard to communicate in noisy environments. I don’t want to be left with no way of communicating when I’m old. And I want to make spaces like church more inclusive. So, if anyone has resources for signing worship songs, that would be great!
    • Fairy Ace
      Peeping out

      By Fairy Ace · Posted

      Hi. Online learner with the Introduction to BSL course, tentatively peeping out at the world. I haven’t learned that much yet.
    • Teach Me Sign
      SEPTEMBER 2026 - New Courses Levels 1-6

      By Teach Me Sign · Posted

      Our next intake of students will be in September 2026. This will be for British Sign Language (BSL) Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6. All courses are taught by deaf, native BSL users. Both online and face-to-face courses (Central London, SE1 6FE) available. For more details, see our website - https://www.teachmesign.co.uk - and if you would like further details about any of the courses, then please email [email protected] with your preferred start date so that they can send you the correct course information guide. We very much hope you will join us! 😊
    • DFM
      BSL Petition

      By DFM · Posted

      Someone close to me has begun a petition with Parliament so as to mandate deaf awareness training for all employees - breaking down the biggest communication barriers for all deaf individuals👇  https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/774848?fbclid=IwdGRleATW-jtwZG9mBWZkaWQWULffKrJsTECdE2gVBnPjfAJhAFCUbWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR4yokbkINDEuMMBavY997mwLeC3AgfMnXUuy50Os0Rv-EI2lsfv3acM0CLeBQ_aem_j77J9Izv5jBqeD4bOFE8lw&utm_id=97757_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1demonuwg7mou A fair equal world and a world that allows a simple transaction of communication. Without deaf individuals feeling isolated when they’re shopping, or to feel pushed into making more of an effort simply just to talk.   In a dominantly hearing world, they are leading this change for the better. For what’s right. So please, help them fight! - sign the link, it takes one minute if that, have a read, the world is about to become a slightly better place. Even with your vote to make this greater difference. 🙏 🌍  🤟
    • EileenY
      Hi All

      By EileenY · Posted

      Hi All  My name is Eileen - I started my BSL journey a few weeks back with the intention simply to learn another language and be able to interact with the Deaf Community freely.

  • Fingerspelling Scoreboard

    (top 10 - past 24hrs)

  • Fingerspelling Animation Maker

×
×
  • Create New...