Introduction to British Sign Lanaguage

Outline

BSL courses typically cover essential topics and skills, including:
Introduction to BSL Basics:
Alphabet: Learners are introduced to the BSL alphabet, focusing on finger-spelling, which is used to represent names, places, and words not typically expressed through signs.
Basic Signs: Essential everyday vocabulary such as greetings, numbers, colors, food, and common phrases are taught.
Facial Expressions: Understanding the importance of non-manual signals like facial expressions and head movements, which convey tone, mood, and grammatical nuances.
Grammar and Sentence Structure:
Students learn how to form sentences in BSL, which differs from English grammar. The course will explain how to structure simple sentences, questions, and negations.
Word Order: BSL has its own word order, which learners will need to grasp, as it typically follows a Topic-Comment structure (e.g., “The book, I have read”).
Conversational Skills:
The course focuses on teaching learners how to engage in basic conversations, such as introducing themselves, asking for directions, and discussing daily activities.
Students will practice using BSL in real-life situations, helping them build confidence in their ability to converse with Deaf individuals.
Cultural Awareness:
Understanding the Deaf culture is an important component. Learners are introduced to the history of the Deaf community, etiquette, and the significance of BSL in the lives of Deaf people.
They learn about Deaf identity, the social model of Deafness, and the role of sign language in Deaf education and advocacy.

Progression

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this taster event. These events are open to all.

*Fees

Don’t let the cost of studying put you off – most of our students study for FREE, and those who don’t qualify for funding are very often eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Eligibility depends on both the course you have chosen to study and your individual circumstances.

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