Sign language is a system of communication using visual gestures and signs used by deaf people who cannot, or only partially, hear sound.
It is seen as being a natural language with its own grammar and lexicon understanding that creates accessibility for the deaf community.
Sign languages come in variations around the world. In English alone, there are three types of sign languages from British Sign Language (BSL), Australian Sign Language (Auslan) and American Sign Language (ASL).
Lots of people are looking to teach themselves the basics of sign language to be able to communicate with those that rely on it.
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Where can I learn sign language?
You can take a free online course to learn British Sign Language on Alison which will take you roughly between one and a half hours up to three.
You can also learn online by watching videos, or watching TV to see and mimic the interpreters although you will have to have a quick eye.
There are also educational tools such as books like British Sign Language for Dummies, which is £14.65 on Amazon. The book comes with a CD for additional help so that you are not only learning by reading but also by doing.
Where can I learn sign language near me?
In Birmingham, you can sign up for rotating classes at different levels at the Deaf Cultural Centre, a “renowned organisation that understands deafness”.
Their Signature-accredited courses include BSL at levels one to three with access to the deaf community who meet and mingle at the Deaf Cultural Centre as well as native deaf BSL trainers with plenty of experience in helping others gain the BSL qualification.
The next free spaces are for the February 2022 BSL level three course starting from Wednesday, February 9, running every Wednesday evening from 6pm-9pm at the Deaf Cultural Centre, Ladywood Road, Birmingham, B16 8SZ.
You can also learn BSL at Brasshouse Languages at the Library of Birmingham, B1 2ND. They offer Beginners online in two parts, a separate Beginners course, a Beginners Plus, an Improvers with two modules, and a Lower Intermediate one. Each course has separate course lengths and topic areas to cover.
What app can I learn sign language from?
There are many iPhone and Android apps that can be of use to learn British Sign Language.
- Sign BSL – Acts like a dictionary that comes with videos of famous figures in the deaf community. You can also access this for free online
- BSL Hands (One Starter Pack and Two) – Aimed at teaching primary school children the basics of sign language and it comes with an English voiceover
- BSL Zone – This is also a free app where …….
Source: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/uk-news/can-learn-sign-language-birmingham-22895149