Intro to BSL, Fingerspelling, Numbers 1-10 Flashcards
What is Sign Language?
Sign Language is a visual form of communicating using a combination of hand shapes, spatial representation, gestures, facial expression, and body language.
Who uses Sign Langauge
Sign Language is used mainly by Deaf people and people with hearing difficulties.
How long have people been using Sign Language
Sign Language has been used as a method of communication among Deaf people for hundreds of years.
When did BSL become recognised as a minority langauge in the UK?
British Sign Language, known as BSL, is the main form of sign language used within the UK and has been recognised by the UK government as a minority language since 2003.
How does BSL differ to spoken English?
BSL is an independent language which is separate to spoken English, having its own grammar and syntax
What is SSE?
Sign Supported English (SSE) is another form of signing used in Britain.
How does SSE differ to BSL
SSE is not a full language in the same way that BSL is. SSE uses mostly the same signs as BSL however they are used in the same order as spoken English and usually accompanied by speech.
How can SSE be useful when compared with BSL?
SSE is a less efficient form of signed communication compared with pure BSL but is useful when used where Deaf people are learning English grammar alongside signing, or by people who mix mainly with hearing people.
What is the use of other communication systems ‘Makaton’ and ‘Signalong’?
These systems are usually built on keyword vocabulary and use signs that are based on BSL but do not use BSL syntax and structure. These systems are used most commonly by people who have communication difficulties or learning disabilities.
What are 5 characteristics of a Deaf person (upper-case D)
- People who have had a profound hearing loss since birth and have been raised and identify as part of the Deaf community
- Usually consider BSL to be their first language
- Generally socialise mainly within the Deaf community
- Many Deaf people see their deafness as a characteristic of themselves not a disability.
- For Deaf people the word ‘Deaf’ is a mark of cultural identity, much like the words ‘English’, ‘Scottish’, ‘Welsh’, ‘Irish’ (etc.) rather than just a label of someone who cannot hear.
What are characteristics of a deaf person ( lower-case d)
- somebody who has lost their hearing after they were born and/or were brought up in the hearing community
- Will typically socialise in both the hearing and Deaf communities
- A deaf person will usually consider English (or another spoken language) to be their first language however depending on the level of hearing loss they may rely on sign language more than they do on their spoken language.
What is Audism?
Audism is an attitude whereby people who are hearing sometimes hold a negative stigma towards those who are unable to hear - similar to sexism or racism. Audism assumes a limit on the abilities of what a person who is Deaf can do - treating Deafness as a disability. Audist attitudes are most often held by those who are hearing. These attitudes are sometimes seen in those who are learning sign language and may think they are trying to be helpful.
What is a Primary Hand?
When you are signing, one of your hands will be more active than the other. This hand is your primary hand.
What is a manual alphabet
Each letter of a manual alphabet is represented by a different hand shape or hand movement. Manual alphabets are used in sign language where a sign does not exist for a word, or when a signer does not know the sign for a particular word. The most common use of the manual alphabet in sign language is for names of people and places that have not had a sign assigned to them.
Recite all the letters of the two handed manual alphabet
A quick tip: the five fingers (on your secondary hand) represent the five Vowels.
https://course.british-sign.co.uk/bslinclude/getfschart.php
