Sign language is a form of communication used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing. It is a way of communicating using hand gestures, body language and facial expressions.
There are many different sign languages used around the world, but British Sign Language (BSL) is the most common sign language used in the United Kingdom. It is estimated that over 150,000 people in the UK use BSL as their main form of communication.
Sign language has been used for centuries, but it was only in the 18th century that it began to be recognised as a proper form of communication. In 1714, an Englishman named John Bulwer published a book called "Philocophus: or the Deaf and Dumb Man's Friend". This book contained the first recorded use of sign language in print.
Bulwer believed that sign language could be used to teach deaf people how to read and write. He also thought that sign language could be used as a means of communication between hearing and deaf people.
The first school for the deaf was established in Paris in 1755. However, it was not until 1815 that a similar school was established in Britain. Finally, in 1839, the British government passed a law that made it compulsory for all deaf children to be taught in sign language.
The use of sign language began to decline in the 20th century with the advent of new technologies such as hearing aids and cochlear implants. However, sign language is still used by many deaf people today and is an integral part of deaf culture.
There are hundreds of different sign languages used around the world. Some of the most common sign languages include:
- American Sign Language (ASL)
- British Sign Language (BSL)
- Irish Sign Language (ISL)
- Australian Sign Language (Auslan)
Sign language is a visual language that uses hand gestures, body language and facial expressions to communicate. It differs from spoken languages as it is not based on any particular language. This means that sign language can be used by people who speak any language.
No, sign language is not hard to learn. In fact, it can be quite easy and fun! There are a few things to keep in mind, however. First, sign language is all about visual communication, so you'll need to pay close attention to the gestures being used. Second, sign language is often very expressive, so it's essential to use your body language and facial expressions to convey meaning. Finally, sign language is constantly evolving, so it's important to stay up-to-date on the latest signs and phrases. With a bit of practice, you'll be signing like a pro in no time!
If you're interested in learning but aren't sure where to start, check out TutorExtra. We offer a variety of tutors in over 1000 subjects, including British Sign Language!