The Scottish Deaf Association recently held one of its BSL (British Sign Language) Taster Sessions at their office in Washington Street, Glasgow.

The  topics covered included exchanging details such as your name, where you live, where you work, your job title, how you get to work etc. The session was conducted by George McGowan (SDA) whose relaxed and humerous teaching manner soon put the class at ease and quickly had everyone signing away.

There is no room for whispering or mumbling in BSL for the language itself is very visual and many of the sign meanings can be heightened or changed by a mere puff of the cheek or different facial expression.

Using signs also encourages a high level of interaction and can be a great confidence booster in conversation skills. The session was attended by nine members of the police force, the opinion being that knowing some BSL would be valuable in working with the public.

BSL is indeed in its own right a ‘language’ with precise rules and grammar, and is the first or preferred language of around 250,000 deaf people in the UK. although it was only officially recognised in the UK in 2003. Everyone who attended the session found the whole experience very enjoyable and people were surprised at just how much they had learned.

The SDA took part in this year’s ‘The Gathering’, Scotland’s Voluntary Sector Fair at the SECC. and were one of the 150 plus exhibitors taking part in this year’s event.

For more details on future BSL sessions, etc, contact SDA, Suite 222, The Pentagon Centre,
36 Washington Street,
Glasgow. G3 8A.
Tel.0141.248.5554 or
email georgem@bda.org.uk.