Jump to content

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

Learning BSL

Somersal

By Somersal
in Why are you learning BSL?

 Share

Recommended Posts

Somersal Newbie

Somersal

Posted
Posted

Hello, I decided to learn BSL because I wanted to learn something new and thought it might be useful to be able to chat in this language. I feel communication in any form is the way to get on with other folk, so important at this time when there is so much discention and violence. If folk communicated more others would understand how they feel.

Somersal

  • 4 months later...
Lead Academy Contributor

Lead Academy

Posted
Posted

hat's great! Learning British Sign Language (BSL) is a rewarding skill that can help you connect with the Deaf community and enhance your communication abilities. Here are some tips and resources to help you get started:

1. Start with the Basics

  • Learn the Alphabet & Numbers: Master fingerspelling first, as it's the foundation for many words and names.
  • Common Phrases: Learn essential greetings and phrases like "Hello," "How are you?" "Thank you," etc.

2. Online Courses

  • BSL Courses by Deaf-led Organizations: Many Deaf-led organizations offer great online courses, such as those on British-sign.co.uk.
  • Signature: Offers accredited BSL courses, including beginner courses to advanced ones.
  • Lingvano: An app with structured lessons, starting from basics to more advanced topics.

3. YouTube Channels

  • Commanding Hands: Offers clear explanations and demonstrations of signs.
  • Let’s Learn BSL: A YouTube channel dedicated to teaching BSL.
  • BSL Zone: A Deaf TV station that can help you watch fluent signers in action.

4. Apps for Practice

  • The Sign BSL App: A free app for looking up BSL signs.
  • BSL Dictionary: Provides videos demonstrating words and phrases.

5. Practice with Others

  • Deaf Meetups: Attend local or online Deaf events to practice real conversations.
  • Online Communities: Join Facebook or Reddit groups dedicated to learning BSL. You can practice with others and ask questions.
  • Language Exchange Apps: Use apps like Tandem to find Deaf signers who can teach you in exchange for learning their language.

6. Watch BSL TV Shows/Films

  • BSL Zone: Watch dramas, documentaries, and news in BSL to get used to how it flows in real-life conversations.
  • YouTube: Look for vlogs by Deaf individuals or videos where people use BSL naturally.

7. Keep Practicing

  • Daily Practice: Consistency is key! Practice a little every day, even if it's just for 10-15 minutes.
  • Sign Along to Songs or Stories: Look for sign language interpretations of popular songs or stories to make learning fun.

8. Take Advanced Courses

As you progress, consider taking more advanced courses like Level 2 or Level 3 BSL to deepen your understanding and fluency.

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

    • Julie King
      Why I am learning BSL

      By Julie King · Posted

      Hi  My name is Julie. I have been fortunate enough to be able to access the British Sign Language course via Nerve Tumours UK, a national charity which provides support and advice for families living with Neurofibromatosis. I was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) in 1994 when I was 30 years old. I am fortunate to be mildly affected by the condition with only slight hearing loss in my right ear following surgery 30 years ago. I have made many friends over the years who are profoundly deaf and I have always wanted to learn but never had the time or opportunity. Learning about this course through the charity gave me the impetus to set aside the time to learn. I want to be able to communicate with my friends and family and future proof my life if I lose my hearing further down the line. I am finding it quite hard to set aside the quiet time to learn as we are in the process of relocating to Devon, but I am determined to succeed.
    • Hannah-Mae Trow
      Loving learning

      By Hannah-Mae Trow · Posted

      Hi there, I am Hannah-Mae and I am enjoying learning more sign language. I grew up with a partially deaf sister, and now my Dad is profoundly deaf. It always struck me how isolating the world still is for the deaf community. I unfortunately will be blind in a few years time but I know that both people's attitudes and modern living is much more accommodating of visual impairments than hearing ones. Because people don't see it they don't consider it. I work in communications for a charity, and am pushing for more sign language inclusion. All our videos have subtitles as standard but we can go further both on recorded and live events. I also am really behind BSL in the curriculum. Whilst I can still see I want to help make it so that the communities we live in are more inclusive.  
    • Lysander
      Signing number 3 alternatives

      By Lysander · Posted

      Thank you so much!
    • Qriti
      Signing number 3 alternatives

      By Qriti · Posted

      try the three versions i sometimes see being used
    • Lysander
      Signing number 3 alternatives

      By Lysander · Posted

      Hi, got a slightly odd issue - I find that signing the number 3 very difficult because of my tendons. The sign I've learned in the online course i'm doing is the index, middle and ring finger up, thumb and pinky down. It is currently impossible for me to have my pinky finger go down without my ring finger also going down unless i use my thumb to hold my pinky finger down manually, and on my primary hand it is difficult for me to get my thumb to hold my pinky finger down for long and without hand pain both while i'm doing the sign and for an amount of time afterwards. Is it permissible to switch primary hands for a single sign? it's a lot easier to hold my pinky finger down with my secondary hand without pain. if not, is there another sign that's able to be used for 3? or am I ok to just do thumb + index + middle finger for 3 and the context will be enough to confirm for someone I'm signing 3?
    • remark.uk
      BSL LEVEL 3 - MONDAY EVENINGS (FACE-TO-FACE) - Starting 5TH OCTOBER 2026 - CENTRAL LONDON

      By remark.uk · Posted

      Embark on a journey of deeper communication and cultural immersion with our BSL classes in Central London.   Our Level 3 evening course starts this October. This course will refine your BSL skills and enrich your understanding of Deaf culture.    Secure your spot now and continue your BSL journey with us!   www.remark.uk.com/bsl-courses/wednesday-evening-level-3-october-2026   #BSL #BSLLEVEL3
    • Rebecasui
      Fingerspelling game.

      By Rebecasui · Posted

      Honestly, I can’t shake the feeling that learning stuff like fingerspelling works way better when you just turn it into a game. Trying to memorize hand shapes straight off a chart gets tedious pretty quick, low-key feels like homework. Interactive tech and screen time usually get a bad rap, but platforms like TruPlay kind of prove that wholesome, engaging games can actually make practicing stuff stick. I mean, if kids or even adults are gonna spend hours tapping a screen anyway, using that play-based format for sign language seems like a no-brainer
    • Anna879
      Hey there! learning BSL

      By Anna879 · Posted

       

  • Fingerspelling Scoreboard

    (top 10 - past 24hrs)

  • Fingerspelling Animation Maker

×
×
  • Create New...