British Sign Language (BSL) Level 1

The British Sign Language (BSL) Level 1 course is designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of BSL and develop your skills in communication through signing. Throughout this course, you will gain a solid foundation in BSL, enabling you to engage with the Deaf community and enhance your overall communication abilities. Starting with an introduction to BSL and fingerspelling, you will learn the essentials of fingerspelling the alphabet and practice signing names and locations. Building on this, you will delve into exchanging personal information, mastering the skills required to meet and interact with new people effectively.

As the course progresses, you will explore various topics such as families, numbers (including time, calendar, and money), colors, transports, weather, non-manual features (NMF), activities/hobbies, sports, description of a person and clothes, animals, and money-related signs. Each topic is covered in-depth, equipping you with a broad vocabulary and the ability to communicate about diverse subjects in BSL. Throughout the course, you will engage in interactive exercises, quizzes, and games to reinforce your learning and ensure active participation. By the end of the course, you will have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to confidently communicate in British Sign Language at a Level 1 proficiency.

What Will You Learn?

• The basics of British Sign Language (BSL) and an introduction to fingerspelling.
• How to fingerspell the alphabet and sign names and locations.
• Effective ways to exchange personal information and engage in introductions.
• Vocabulary and signs related to families and understanding familial relationships.
• Numbers, including time, calendar, and money signs, enabling you to communicate about dates, time, and financial transactions.
• A wide range of colors and how to express them using BSL signs.
• Signs and vocabulary related to various modes of transportation.
• Vocabulary and signs to discuss different weather conditions and time.
• Non-manual features (NMF) and their significance in conveying emotions and expressions in sign language.
• Signs and vocabulary related to hobbies, interests, and sports.
• Describing a person’s appearance and clothing using appropriate signs.
• Vocabulary and signs related to animals, including pets and popular animals.
• Signs and vocabulary to communicate about money, including dining out and asking for prices.
• Preparation for the Level 1 BSL exam, including practice questions and answers.

Who Should Take The Course?

• Individuals who have little to no prior knowledge of British Sign Language (BSL) and want to learn how to communicate effectively with the Deaf community.
• Anyone interested in expanding their language skills and learning a new way to communicate.
• Professionals working in fields such as education, healthcare, customer service, and social services who interact with Deaf individuals and want to enhance their ability to provide inclusive and accessible services.
• Family members or friends of Deaf individuals who want to improve their communication and connection within their personal relationships.
• Students or researchers interested in studying Deaf culture and sign language.
• Individuals considering a career in sign language interpreting or working with the Deaf community and who want to start with a strong foundation in BSL.
• Those who wish to gain a better understanding of Deaf culture, promote inclusivity, and break down communication barriers.