Learning sign language in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, the term sign language usually refers to British Sign Language (BSL) or Irish Sign Language (ISL). Both BSL and ISL have their own grammar and vocabulary which is different to English or Irish. 

Both BSL and ISL are legally recognised as official languages of Northern Ireland. They have equal legal status.

I want Lucas to tell me about his world, the things he can see and the feelings he’s experiencing. Every day he points out and signs at least 15 birds, 5 planes and countless trees and cars, and that’s so lovely. I want to meet him on his communication turf, and not put the burden on him to speak our language before he’s ready. It’s such a joy to watch him shape his words with his hands and to see his contented smile when he knows I’ve understood him.

Tess is mum to Lucas (3) who has severe to profound hearing loss and wears cochlear implants.

Read Tess' blog.

Learning BSL or ISL

BSL and ISL are separate languages, with their own unique histories and cultures. If you and your family are thinking about learning sign language, you’ll need decide whether you want to learn ISL or BSL. This is a personal decision and will depend on your family’s individual circumstances. 

The best way to learn to sign is through a course taught by a qualified BSL or ISL teacher. Learning to sign in a class allows your teacher to watch you signing, spot any mistakes or habits, and help you to improve. You'll get to practise real conversations and may have the opportunity to get a qualification at the end of the course. 

There are different types of BSL and ISL courses available, from basic introductory courses through to recognised qualifications like NVQs and even honours degrees. You may be able to access funded sign language courses through Action Deaf Youth, who provide in-person and accredited BSL courses for parents and carers. You could also look up local colleges and deaf clubs online to find out what's available in your area. 

You could also contact a BSL teacher directly. The BSL teacher directory has contact information for BSL tutors across the UK. 

To find out more about ISL, including how to access ISL lessons, visit the Irish Deaf Society. 

You could also download the Irish Deaf Society's app, ISL Everywhere, to learn signs in ISL.

Foyle Deaf Association also offer information about learning ISL, including classes and video materials.

Like any spoken language such as French or Spanish, it takes time and practise to learn and use sign language fluently. The time it takes for you to become fluent will depend on lots of things, including:

• the way you choose to learn
• how much you sign in daily life.

Family sign language

Family sign language classes are designed to teach basic sign language to the whole family. This can be a great way for deaf children to learn key signs alongside their siblings, parents and other family members. Learning sign language together allows the whole family to learn the same signs at the same time, so that everyone can communicate. 

Family sign language classes usually focus on teaching specific signs and phrases which are useful in everyday family life during the early years. Classes will usually focus on topics like routines, play and food, teaching signs like ‘milk’ or 'brush your teeth’, rather than structured sign language lessons. Family sign language courses are taught either as a group with other families, or on a one-to-one basis with a tutor. 

Some deaf organisations receive funding from the Department for Communities to deliver free Family sign language classes for parents of deaf children. For example, the British Deaf Association (BDA) offers family sign language lessons at home (BDA). 

We also offer courses teaching BSL signs. To get started, check out our playlist of family sign language videos (YouTube). 

Learning sign language online

There are lots of websites and apps available which offer online BSL or ISL lessons and tips. These can be a great way to practise the signs you've learned in class or learn some basic sign language if you can't join a class just yet. However, the standard of online BSL and ISL courses and apps varies. If you're thinking of signing up for an online course, try to find out:

• if the course is designed or taught by a qualified BSL or ISL teacher
• if the course is accredited (officially recognised)
• if the video clips used in the course are signed by deaf people whose first language is BSL or ISL, or by qualified BSL or ISL translators or interpreters

It’s also important to find out whether the course or app includes signs used in your region. BSL contains lots of regional signs. For example, a BSL signer from London is likely to use different signs for colours and numbers than a BSL signer from Belfast. You could contact the course developers or ask people you know in the local deaf community whether the signs are consistent with your local dialect.

Finding a local deaf community

For most people, the best way to practise your sign language is by having conversations with deaf sign language users in your local community. They can introduce you to regional signs which are used in your local area and can help you to become more fluent. 

• Join the Northern Ireland BSL/ISL Vlogs Facebook group to find out about deaf events.
• Join your local deaf children’s society.