Language Information

Population 40,000 mother tongue users (1984 Deuchar), out of 909,000 deaf, of which the majority probably have some degree of sign language competence (1977 Deuchar). Region United Kingdom including Northern Ireland, Scotland. Alternate names BSL Classification Deaf sign language. Comments Not inherently intelligible to users of ASL. The deaf community is cohesive, so communication is good despite regional differences. However, there are many reports of different sign languages which are inherently unintelligible to users as close as approximately every 50 miles. Good regional and national organizations for the deaf. Signed interpretation is required in court, and provided in some other situations. Sign language instruction for parents of deaf children. Many sign language classes for hearing people. There is an organization for sign language teachers. There is a committee on national sign language. Sign language was used before 1644. Deaf schools were established in the late 18th century. There is increasing desire to train deaf children in BSL. British Signed English is different from American Signed English. Dictionary. Grammar. Films, TV, videos.

Ireland, Scotland (U.K.), United Kingdom.