Only New Zealand as this criseria. However, its sign language is an extension of BSl with its own dialects integrated.

approximatley 900,000

BSL is shorthand for British Sign Language. ASL stands for American Sign Language. Although both are languages used to communicate to the deaf, the two languages are very different.

its estimated at some 900,000

Make the "OK" sign with both hands. Holding both signs together (thumbs touching) in front of the chest sweep them apart (left sweeps left right to the right)

its about 900,000 across the UK

Different countries use a range of signs that are similar however, there is specific differnces in signs as each country developed its own.

It's similar but not completely alike.

New Zealand uses a mixture of British, Australian, New Zealand and Maori sign language, and is actually called BANZSL British, Australian and New Zealand Sign Language).

BANZSL is 62.5% similar to British Sign Language (about the same similarity as German and English.)

There are various sign languages used in most countries world wide

Crossing the hand across the chest (centred above the heart )and then point to the person you love with the right hand.

BSL stands for "british sign language"

which is the type of sign language used inthe uk,

other countries have other sign languages such as ASL "american sign language

Simply;

Strengths;

Can communicate with deaf people across the country you learn in. The deaf community appreaciate people that try to engage and involve them, your ability to assit someone who cannot hear but signs when an issue arises and you can communicate with others as a form of help and support.

The langnuage is a formal language like any other in the UK

Weakess;

Many, many hearing cannot/will not sign. People see signing as " a poor mans language", people sometimes forget that there are national sign and region signs so have to learn a little more, lack of contact with signing people can slow the user down just like many other languages. Other than that the strengths vastly out weigh the weakness

If you are in Britain and either are deaf, mute or must communicate with such people often, then yes. Otherwise, there is not much point, since sign language around the world is completel different.

16th April 2003. The language was formally recognised as a language bythe UK government

The principle is the same in both languages but ASL (American Sign Language) has vastly differing signs for words and phrases to BSL (British Sign Language)

There are 3 main ways to do this but the most used is;

The right arm bent at the elbow with the hand near the head. The right hand holds the elbow (making it look like a tree standing out of the ground) the righ habd is then shaken to represent wind in the tree - saying tree at the same time enforces the sign

Contact you local college and /or the local councils Adult education department

There are records of some sign language used in the UK as far back as 1570. However,Thomas

Braidwood,

an Scottish teacher, founded 'Braidwood's

Academy for the Deaf and Dumb' (the term dumb is now not used as its considered to be insulting, the tern without speack is used as that is actually the situation)in 1760 which is recognised as the first school for the deaf in Britain. The use of the language were very much hidden away as more and more deaf people passed the signs on to others to expand the communication it was until post 2000 that BSL actually became recognised as an official language in the same holding as Englaish. However, many organisations sadly still do not realise that this communication mode is a real a language

All tests are conducted on a face to face basis at present. This will have an examiner "talking" to a student. The examine will cover read the signs, interperatation, understanding and communication.

Difficult to draw - easy to explain. Using just the two little finger place them facing eachother and then link them bt cross them over each other. "S"

Level One

Introduction to BSL

Conversational BSL

Communicate in BSL about Everyday Life

Level 2

BSL Receptive Skills

BSL Productive Skills

Presentation in BSL

Level 3

Sign Linguistics Knowledge

Understand varied British Sign Language in a range of work and social situations

Use varied British Sign Language in a range of work and social situations

BSL Conversational Skills

level 6

Understan complex British Sign Language in a wide range of work situations

Use complex British Sign Language in a wide range of work situations

Touch the mouth with the finger tips of the right hand then move the right hand to the palm of the left hand (which should be facing upward). The right hand is placed on the palm of the left and a circular motion is made by the right hand (toward the body) the circle will be 3 to 4 times - Saying mercy at the same time enforces the word.

Thomas Braidwood a teacher from Edinburgh, founded 'Braidwood's Academy for the Deaf and Dumb' in 1760 which is recognised as the first school for the deaf in Britain

BSL is the abbreviation for British Sign Language.

The process is the same but many signs are different between the two countries.