British Sign Language: The Complete Alphabet Resource (FSI Approved)

British Sign Language is a unique form of communication that uses hand gestures and facial expressions to convey meaning. If you are interested in learning British Sign Language, you need this resource! In this blog, we will provide a complete alphabet resource for British Sign Language. We will discuss using this information to learn and teach BSL!

Introducing British Sign Language

British Sign Language or BSL is the predominant sign language used and is the first language of deaf or hard-of-hearing people in the UK. There are estimated to be around 151,000 deaf BSL users in the UK, and it is a visual-gestural language with grammar, vocabulary, and syntax which differ from English. 

Deaf people who use BSL as their first language often talk about being part of the Deaf community and see themselves as members of a distinct linguistic and cultural group with their history, values, and traditions. 

If you want to learn about British Sign Language, plenty of resources are available online and from your local library. You could also try attending a Deaf club or event or taking a BSL course. You can study British Sign language ABC on google as your first step. Good luck!

The Alphabet in BSL

The alphabet in BSL is made up of 26 handshapes that represent each letter of the English alphabet. The alphabet is used to spell words and names, and finger spelling is essential to British Sign Language.

When fingerspelling, the signer will make a handshape for each letter in the word or name they are spelling. For example, to spell the word 'cat,' the signer would make the following handshapes:

• C – The 'c' handshape is made by holding your hand out in front of your palm and curling your index finger and thumb together to touch the tips.

• A – The 'a handshape is made by holding your hand out in front of you with your palm facing down and your index finger pointing straight up.

• T – The 't' handshape is made by holding your hand out in front of you with your palm facing down, and your thumb is pointing straight up.

So, the sign for 'cat' would be C – A – T.

Fingerspelling can be used to spell out words and names that don't have a specific sign in BSL or to clarify the meaning of a sign that could have more than one interpretation. For example, the sign for 'dog' can also mean 'wild,' so if you want to make it clear that you're talking about a pet dog, you will fingerspell the word 'D-O-G.'

 

Resources to Help You Learn BSL

The alphabet in BSL is a great option to start learning the language. However, you can find many online and print resources to help you understand the alphabet. 

• The British Sign Language Alphabet app is an excellent resource for learning the alphabet. It includes videos of each letter's signing and a quiz to test your knowledge. 

•  The Sign2Me Now website also has an excellent section on learning the alphabet, with videos and printable resources. 

• Another great resource is The British Sign Language Alphabet Book, which is available in paperback and Kindle editions. This book includes illustrations of each letter being signed and tips on how to sign the letters correctly. 

• The Cambridge University Press website has a section on learning the alphabet, with videos and printable resources. 

• The website BSL Zone also has a great selection of resources for learning the alphabet. These include videos, games, and printable resources. The site is available in both English and British Sign Language. 

• The Complete Alphabet Resource (FSI Approved) is an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn the alphabet. It is packed with information and includes everything you need to know to be able to read and write in both English and Spanish. The resource is available in print and online so you can use it at your convenience.

How to Use BSL in Your Everyday Life

BSL, or British Sign Language, is a fantastic way to communicate with deaf people. However, there are numerous ways you can use BSL in your everyday life. Here are just a few ideas:

• Use BSL when you are talking to deaf friends or family members.

• Use BSL when you are out and about in the community, for example, when shopping or going to the doctor.

• Use BSL at work, whether you are a teacher communicating with a deaf student or a customer service representative dealing with a deaf customer.

• Use BSL to communicate with deaf people in other countries. Many different sign languages are used worldwide, but BSL is one of the most widely used and understood.

Learning BSL is a great way to improve communication skills and build closer relationships with deaf people. Many resources are available to help you learn, such as online courses, books, and DVDs. So why not give it a try today?

 

The Benefits of Learning BSL

There are many benefits to learning British Sign Language (BSL), including improved communication, increased employment opportunities, and a stronger connection to the deaf community.

BSL is the first language of many deaf people in the UK and is used by over 145,000 people across the country. Learning BSL can help you communicate more effectively with deaf people and understand the deaf culture better.

There are many employment opportunities for BSL users, as businesses and organisations recognise the value of being able to communicate with their deaf customers and employees.BSL is also becoming increasingly popular as a second language, with people of all ages and backgrounds taking classes to learn it.

So whatever your reasons for wanting to learn BSL, there are plenty of good reasons to do so!

Conclusion

So there you have it! Hopefully, the resources listed above will assist you in learning BSL in every way. Collect your materials and begin practicing right away. Good luck!