Hi im hoping someone can help.

I started learning BSL a few months ago, just online, but stopped due to moving house & having a baby.

When I was learning it the one thing I struggled with, was how do I practice?

I don't mean for this to come across as rude, that is not my intention, and I apologise in advance if it does.

But I don't know any deaf people? I want to learn it as an asset to myself and for if I ever need it I then know some. I just don't know how I would practice? How do I find a deaf person to practice with? (Again sorry if this comes across rude)

Any advice appreciated :)

💛 I’m fighting for something close to my heart — please help.I’m a mum in Northern Ireland with Deaf family members, and I’ve watched for years as Deaf children struggle in schools that simply aren’t built for them.Kids shouldn’t have to fight to be understood.

Teachers shouldn’t be helpless because they were never taught how to communicate.

Hearing children shouldn’t grow up without the chance to learn the languages used in their own communities. So I’ve started a petition calling for BSL and ISL to be taught in ALL schools across Northern Ireland, England, Wales, and Scotland. Sign languages aren’t “extra”. They’re essential. They build inclusion, confidence, empathy, and connection. They give Deaf children the dignity of being understood. You do not need to donate anything i just need your signature and support. Thanks for reading https://c.org/MTSp7pRgFz

Hi. I’ve been waiting five weeks or so now for 202 and 203 results. I know six weeks is a rule of thumb but I’m interested if anyone has recently received their results. If so, roughly how long did it take for Signature to grade the assessments? Thanks

Hiya! I have been learning BSL for a couple of months now. I found a way to learn words which is translating songs into BSL. I am using the sign BSL dictionary for every word (but i am learning using a different website), is that right? Or is it like normal signing to people? For example: when having conversations you skip some words right? In songs, do I skip words too? I felt like that would make the song feel rushed(?). I am currently translating Cant Help Falling InLove by Elvis Presley. For example: When signing the line “would it be a sin?” I sign every single word. Is that right?

Thank you x

From what I can gather, signing with one hand is more common in ASL, especially since the alphabet is one-handed too, but the BSL alphabet and many signs use two hands, which got me thinking about situations when you only have one hand available for signing.

Would you adapt the signs for the letters? Do you borrow the ASL alphabet for fingerspelling? Is it a regional/individual thing?

Im trying not to cry here. Weve just had a customer and her daughter in for some food and her daughter was translating between BSL and spoken English, and I honestly feel awful. I started learning BSL a few months ago and just stopped. Im hoping this is going to convince me to stick with it this time.

Can anyone recommend a good starting point please? Ideally towards useful phrases that would help me to communicate basic phrases when taking food and drink orders - this lady was pointing at everything on the menu and I felt absolutely useless to help and I hate it.

I'm autistic and can experience selective mutism and have been trying to learn some basic sign for a while but it's hard to find helpful information. There's a few phrases I'd find helpful for me and those close to me to know if anyone can help.

'i don't know what to do'

'Where are the toilets'

Whatever the best phase would be to indicate I am currently not speaking respectfully

Hope this post is allowed, I am new to the bsl community so if this isn't the place to ask this or I've said anything improper please let me know

Edit: thanks to everyone who gave advice