Since 2003, British Sign Language (BSL) has been recognised as an official language by the UK government. The British Deaf Association estimates there are 151,000 BSL users in the UK, of which 87,000 are Deaf. As of January 2022, BSL is on course to obtain the same legal protections as Welsh and Gaelic.
Modules available
LA1PB1-IWLP British Sign Language 1
This module aims to provide students with an introduction to BSL, concentrating on its communicative use in everyday situations. It will develop the two key skills of signing (in lieu of speaking) and understanding (in lieu of listening).
LA1PB2-IWLP British Sign Language 2
This module is intended for students who have completed IWLP British Sign Language 1 (or equivalent). Students will work on the linguistics of BSL, analysing its grammatical components in addition to understanding "Deafhood" (ie. a look at history of oppression of Deaf people and its impact on their culture). Students will also consolidate and expand their learning of BSL to cover new vocabulary leading to more in-depth conversation.
LA1PB3-IWLP British Sign Language 3
This module is intended for students who have completed IWLP British Sign Language 2 (or equivalent). Students will develop more in-depth learning of specific topics linked to the Deaf community and culture, such as education, health, technology, media and politics, etc. At the end of this stage 3 course, the students should have the ability to communicate in BSL in everyday situations of varying levels of complexity, coupled with an enhanced competence in BSL grammar and vocabulary for communicating at a more independent level.
If you would like to take BSL at a higher level than we currently offer, please contact us via iwlp@reading.ac.uk.