What is sign language?

BSL is a way for deaf people to communicate through signs. Some people can also lip-read, but that's never a certainty (if you ever get the chance to try it, you'll see just how difficult it is) so to communicate with the majority of deaf people within the UK, you'll probably need to use BSL.

 

 

Is it just for the UK?

BSL (British Sign Languge) is specifically for the UK. There are other dialects of sign language - ASL (American Sign Language), ISL (Irish Sign Language) and so forth, but here in the UK, BSL is the main one used.

 

 

Is it the only sign language dialect in the UK?

While not the only one, it is the main one used. Most places in the UK will have slight variations on signs, or some local signs for local landmarks, but most will keep to the same grammar and basic signs as BSL. You'll sometimes see us teaching two signs for the same word in class, and in this case, both signs are commonly used.

 

 

Why should I learn BSL?

It opens doors! It allows you to communicate with the people around you that you may otherwise have had difficulty understanding, through writing (which is so time-consuming) or just lip-reading (which not all deaf people can do). You'll quickly make new friends, and if you ever get a job in customer service, it will be handy to be able to say "Can I help you?" and "Here are the panda bear slippers" to any deaf customers that come your way.

 

 

I'm not a student of Edinburgh Uni, can I still come along?

Of course! Everyone, of any age, gender, height, hair colour, eye colour, skin colour, body type, dress sense, education, blood type, dental history, karate belt, bottled water preference, and baking ability can come along, as long as you've got a heartbeat. Apologies to any zombies or vampires wanting to learn sign language.

 

 

When and where are classes on?

Classes are held every Tuesday at 7pm with optional social signing afterwerds at The Whistle Stop Barber Shop, for the latest details on classess please check our facebook page.

 

 

Do I have to pay?

Unfortunately yes. To aid the society and ensure a good turnout every week (which starts to become quite important around exams!) we ask for a small membership fee from everyone who would like to be a regular part of the society. For students, that's £6 for a semester and £10 for a year. For non-students, that's £10 for a semester and £15 for the year.

 

 

Will there be socials?

There will indeed be socials! We've got pub crawls, bake sales, meals out, and lots more planned for the year, where you can socialize with people for whom you have a guaranteed conversation starter: "So, why did you decide to learn sign language?". All the fun of having fun, but without the awkward ehhs and hmmms! Of course if you'd like to come along for just the classes, that's fine too - you meet lots of awesome people there!

 

 

How do I join?

It couldn't be simpler - just come along to one of our Tuesday classes and see what's going on! If you like what you see, you can buy membership in person, or on our website            .