British Sign Language Dialects

People who are new to the world of British Sign Language (BSL) are often surprised to discover that BSL is not a single standard universal language. Even where it is recognised that BSL is not a single standard universal language, there is often still the expectation that BSL will be shared across the same countries sharing the spoken English language (e.g. England, America and Australia). This is not the case. Many people are surprised to learn that American Sign Language (ASL) and BSL are completely different.

ASL developed from French signs which were migrated to America in the 19th century. The signs then further evolved to include signs created specifically in America. ASL is therefore closer to the French system of sign language and completely removed from BSL.

It is also surprising for many to learn that BSL also varies across the UK. Current estimates suggest that there may be as many as 30 regional dialects in operation within the UK. The BSL dialects can almost be likened to regional accents. In the same way that it is possible to identify which part of the UK someone originates from listening to their accent, it is also possible to tell which part of the UK someone comes from by the nature of the BSL that they use.

It is thought that many of the regional dialects originate from the Deaf Schools which were established in the 19th and 20th Centuries. At these points in time there were no ‘standard’ forms of BSL in practice and as such, signs were developed which were specific to the school in question. Since there were minimum schools using BSL regionally during these time periods, then it is likely that the sign language in use then evolved to become the regional dialects which we see in operation today.

It is important to note however that although the regional dialects are present in BSL, these difference do not prevent individuals who sign in using different dialect to understand each other. It is strongly held by many that Sign Language is open to all who sign. In fact, there are also many people who believe that sign can be universally understood and that although sign language and approaches may be different in different countries, that ultimately people can make themselves understood in a way which may not be open to users of the spoken language.