Why everyone should learn some sign language

Not so long ago, deaf children were punished in the UK for using sign language in the classroom. Recounting his experience in the 1960s, one deaf person told one of my colleagues many years later: “I had a lot of punishments for signing in classrooms… One morning at assembly, I was caught again, then ordered to stand at the front of the class.

Thankfully, experiences like this are no longer as common. Sign languages have not only survived, but are now flourishing – so much so that many more people are getting the chance to learn them, which should be celebrated.British Sign Language is used by tens of thousands of people in the UK, including around 90,000 deaf signers. For some of them, such as children with deaf parents, it is the first language they acquire.

Currently, the UK Department for Education has a draft BSL curriculum for England on its desk for GCSE students , which could come into effect later this year. This would make it a modern language option alongside French, German, Spanish and Chinese. Both Scotland and Wales have BSL curricula in the works too.

Elsewhere, sign languages are gaining both recognition as official languages and a place on the national curriculum. South Africa has hired 60 instructors to teach South African Sign Language as part of a state-run adult literacy programme, and Jamaican Sign Language was introduced into Jamaica’s national curriculum earlier this month.

Does the middle finger count?

Agree, my question is it possible it will be lost due to text messages ?

Not convinced most deaf and hoh don't sign.

At Xmas dinner the not very verbal toddler was using the sign for 'more'. Later kid's Mom taught the adults how to sign 🐂💩. We all were laughing. It's pretty amusing. Very clear! 😆

But the sign language is still different between countries!

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Consider This Your Sign to Try the Ever-Flattering Lob HaircutThe lob haircut is a classic and timeless hairstyle choice. The long bob hits right at your collarbone and looks great on everyone.
Source: POPSUGARFashion - 🏆 28. / 68 Read more »

The Zodiac Sign That Will Change The Most In 2022, According To AstrologersThere's one zodiac sign, in particular, that can expect to majorly reinvent themselves in 2022. Here's what to know, according to the astrotwins forecast. 🔮
Source: mindbodygreen - 🏆 296. / 63 Read more »

Which ‘Yellowjackets’ Character Are You Based On Your Zodiac Sign?A deep dive into the astrology of Showtime's 'Yellowjackets,' one stranded varsity soccer player at a time. I’m Lottie and I love it 😂😂😍
Source: NylonMag - 🏆 697. / 51 Read more »

How To Nail Your Wellness Routine In 2022, Based On Your Zodiac SignHere, astrotwins offer sign-by-sign wellness advice for every member of the zodiac. 🌱
Source: mindbodygreen - 🏆 296. / 63 Read more »

As omicron drives surge in COVID-19 cases, HealthCare.gov sign-up deadline arrivesPeople looking for health insurance in the grip of the omicron surge have through Saturday to sign up for taxpayer-subsidized private coverage under the Obama-era Affordable Care Act.
Source: chicagotribune - 🏆 8. / 91 Read more »

Study: No sign of life in Mars meteoriteDuring Mars’ wet and early past, at least two impacts occurred near the rock, heating the planet’s surrounding surface, before a third impact bounced it off the red planet and into spac…
Source: mercnews - 🏆 88. / 68 Read more »