Sign Language Week Day 4

Preserving BSL

With the continual rise of on-line internet content sites and social media, there is a HUGE amount of information at our fingertips. Yes, this is amazing! But it is also dangerous. Anyone can post pretty much anything, claiming to be an expert in their field, and millions of people will consume that information thinking they’re right.

Jonny our Managing Director here at Remark! says “The effect of Social Media on BSL can clearly be seen by the influence that International Signs are having, as they increasingly creep into BSL”.

Members of the Deaf community are the experts when it comes to BSL. They have usually, but not always, grown up using the language, and they have a deep understanding of its grammar, syntax, and cultural significance. By teaching BSL, members of the Deaf community can provide a more authentic and accurate representation of the language, ensuring that students have a thorough understanding of its complexities.

That’s why here at Remark! All our teachers are Deaf and we passionately believe this is the best way to learn BSL. Students receive a more nuanced and accurate understanding of the Deaf experience, and we want to make sure that we are challenging any harmful stereotypes that perpetuate discrimination and marginalization.

Our teachers provide a unique perspective on the history and development of BSL. We want to ensure that the language is taught in such a way that reflects it’s distinctive history and cultural significance for future generations of learners. This includes educating students on how BSL developed, and how it has been used throughout the years as a means of communication for the Deaf community.

It’s worth noting, that Remark! are the only Deaf Led Training centre in the UK to offer the full spectrum of BSL courses from beginner BSL Level 1, right through to becoming an official registered NDRCP BSL Interpreter with our 3 year English/BSL Interpreting Diploma. Fancy learning with us? We’d love to teach you! Check out our up and coming course here: BSL Level 1 — Remark!

We love BSL, and want others to love it too! Preserving BSL in the right way can help to foster a sense of pride and ownership among BSL students.

Learning from members of the Deaf community, students can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the language, and the culture that surrounds it. This can help to create a sense of community and solidarity among BSL learners, and can help to promote a positive image of the Deaf community more broadly.

“Here at Remark!”, says Jonny, “we recruit BSL users where possible. We will work with those who perhaps need additional support, where an oral education has been prioritised, and help with bringing their signing level up to a high standard”.

Remark! have been teaching BSL to students for many, many years, and we want to continue doing so for many years to come; we are passionate about making sure the language is preserved for future generations and our Deaf teachers are ensuring just that.