With the BSL Bill hoping to come into full effect and with stars like Rose Ayling-Ellis raising awareness around BSL and the deaf community, 2022 is the year to start learning British Sign Language. In March, we’re excited to launch some brand new courses and we want to share with you why learning BSL is a choice you would never regret making.
Why Should You Learn British Sign Language?
To create a more inclusive society
The deaf and hard of hearing community face unimaginable communication barriers each day, but by learning BSL you are helping to bridge the gap and create a more inclusive society, which is so pertinent nowadays as we live in a world where inclusivity and diversity are at the heart of what we stand for. By interacting with deaf people, not only will you be able to engage with a community that is often cut off from the daily communication we take for granted, but you will also become more deaf aware as a result. The spread of BSL will lead to greater cultural integration and understanding that will make the deaf community feel less marginalised from society. Making that first step to learning BSL will allow you to form strong connections with deaf colleagues, family or friends which might not be possible otherwise, and more aware of the hardships they face. How rewarding and fulfilling is that?
To improve your job prospects
The transferable skillset that you would acquire from learning a new language immediately makes you stand out from the crowd, and having the practical skills to use BSL in the workplace will make you even more desirable to employers. In fact, if you want a career change, there is a very high demand for BSL interpreters as there simply aren’t enough around that can provide support to all those who need it. For instance, according to a 2012 survey 2 out of 3 deaf people were unable to access a BSL interpreter during a hospital appointment and this just goes to show the lack of support there is for the deaf community and why the BSL Bill is so pivotal. Currently, there are as few as 908 registered BSL interpreters in the UK, and the BSL Bill is aiming to ensure that change is just around the corner. BSL can be so useful for all frontline workers in social care, hospitality, education, government and any public-facing role so there simply must be more impetus to break down the communication barriers. There are plenty of perks too as freelance interpreters can earn up to £40/hour, work very flexible hours and have a great sense of reward for the work they carry out, so it’s a great opportunity in extremely high-demand even in unpredictable times like these. Start your journey to becoming a BSL interpreter with our Online BSL Level 1 Qualification.
To enhance your communicative and cognitive skills
Like all languages, BSL provides huge cognitive benefits. Learning BSL means embracing a completely new way of engaging with others by using non-verbal communication and the ability to read body language and facial expressions. You will subconsciously enhance your focus, problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence and critical thinking that will help you in other remits of life, including work. No wonder research shows that language learning can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia!
Inspired to learn British Sign Language? Find out more about our Introduction to BSL course here.