British Sign Language (BSL) videos and resources
Find online resources to support you and your family on your BSL journey.
Learn to fingerspell
In BSL, the alphabet is made up of letters formed using both hands. Using the BSL alphabet to spell out words is called fingerspelling.
Fingerspelling is used in BSL to spell out words like the names of places or people. If you're new to sign language, learning to fingerspell is a great first step. Download or order printed copies of our fingerspelling poster and fingerspelling postcards to help you learn.
Although BSL uses both hands, one hand does more work than the other. The hand that 'leads' is called the dominant hand. Left-handed people often prefer to use their left hand as their dominant hand, so they use the left-handed fingerspelling alphabet. It doesn't matter which hand you use, as long as it's consistent. Switching between left- and right-handed fingerspelling is very confusing to watch!
Watch the right-handed BSL fingerspelling alphabet.
Watch the left-handed BSL fingerspelling alphabet.
Family sign language videos on YouTube
Our family sign language tutors have created lots of videos covering different topics related to family life. These include vocabulary and conversational skills that parents and children can learn together, at a time and pace that suits them. We've tailored these videos for the following regions:
All tutors shown in these videos are deaf BSL users.
Family sign language courses
We run online courses teaching basic British Sign Language to families of deaf children aged 0 to 5 years.
BSL signs for feelings and emotions
BSL signs for feelings and emotions
Learning to express your feelings is an important stage in developing social and emotional wellbeing.
Watch our videos to learn BSL signs for feelings and emotions (YouTube).
BSL signs for religious vocabulary
Religious services and celebrations can be an important part of family life. In our videos, deaf BSL users demonstrate key signs for different religious vocabulary.
Watch our videos to learn BSL signs for religious vocabulary (YouTube).
ITV signed stories
Watch children's stories in BSL on the Signed Stories website.
BSL glossaries
There are lots of organisations which provide glossaries of BSL vocabulary around specific subjects. Share these with family, friends and staff working with your child to help them keep up with your child's interests.
Scottish Sensory Centre glossary
Created by BSL linguists and subject specialists, this site includes specialist vocabulary for a wide range of subjects, including:
- astronomy
- biology
- chemistry
- computing science
- cyber security
- data science
- environmental science
- geography
- mathematics
- physics.
Sign Dictionary
A dictionary of over 40,000 signs covering different topics.
British Sign Language Dictionary
A dictionary of signs covering different topics. This dictionary contains multiple different signs for the same English word, demonstrating different regional variations.
BSL SignBank
A large dictionary of signs gathered by researchers from UCL. This site includes regional signs for colours, numbers, countries and UK place names.
Christian BSL
BSL videos for Christian words, phrases, songs and prayers.
Deaf Muslim UK
BSL translations of key Islamic phrases, teachings, and verses from the Quran.
Deaf Rainbow UK
BSL vocabulary for signs related to the LGBTQUIA+ community.
Sign Health
Vocabulary for health-related topics, including signs for physical and mental health conditions and symptoms, domestic abuse, and first aid.
Tech Theatre BSL
A glossary of terms used behind-the-scenes in theatre.
BSL signs for technology
A glossary of technical terms for web developers created by Ben Fletcher.