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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Please use the set of questions below to quickly find answers to all your enquiries about British Sign Language and the Deaf community.



Watch this page in British Sign Language About British Sign Language (BSL)

  • What is British Sign Language (BSL) - is it like English?
  • How many Deaf BSL users are there in the UK?
  • Is Sign Language Universal?
  • Do all Deaf people use Sign Language?



    • Watch this page in British Sign Language Learning BSL

  • Where can I learn BSL?
  • How long does it take to learn BSL?





    • Watch this page in British Sign Language Communication

  • Can Deaf people read and write English? For example, can I communicate with Deaf people through pen and paper, or by letter?
  • What is the best way to contact a Deaf person if I can’t phone them?
  • If a Deaf person comes into my office to make an appointment, how can I best communicate with them?
  • For appointments, could I use the Deaf person’s friends or family to interpret?



    • Watch this page in British Sign Language Using BSL interpreters

  • What does the Law Say about Deaf people and interpreters?
  • Whose responsibility is it to book the interpreter?
  • Should I use a qualified and registered interpreter?




    • Watch this page in British Sign Language Guidelines about using BSL Interpreters

  • How many interpreters will I need?
  • Can I request a specific interpreter for an assignment?
  • Why do interpreters need to take regular breaks during an interpreting assignment?

    • Page Last Updated: 07 January 2009

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