Hello,

I very recently starting learning BSL for three reasons: I find it really interesting, I frequent events with a lot of deaf people in attendance whom I'd like to speak to, and I sometimes go nonverbal/nonspeaking and think it'd be a really helpful way for me to communicate.

I went nonverbal today and went to look up how to sign "nonverbal", but couldn't find anything. I was wondering whether anyone here had any answers?

Apologies if this wasn't the right place to ask, and thank you in advance :)

So, I've been learning sign ad-hoc for a few years now, and I've got an OK vocabulary, but I can only really do sign-supported english, so I've been trying to improve my BSL grammar.

Usually for negating words, I've either been shaking my head while making the sign, or suffixing it with "don't" (the far left one), but I decided to look and see if there were any more ideomatic ways of negating words.

All I could find that was specific to negation this writeup, which I found detailed, but unhelpfully worded (what the hell is a "B flat hand" or a "G hand"? Do they mean like ASL letters B and G? Am I missing a really common way of describing handshapes?)

Can anyone explain their terminology? Are they actually describing normal BSL? Does anyone have any better resources?

The upcoming Autumn Statement will once again be fully accessible with BSL interpretation, continuing a tradition started back in 2020. This service was specifically designed to ensure that the deaf and hard of hearing BSL community is included in these critical national updates. Thanks to the dedication to accessibility, this significant financial statement will be available in BSL on both the BBC News Channel and Parliamentlive.tv.

The BSL version will be broadcast on the BBC News Channel on Wednesday, the 30th at 12:35 pm. You can find it on Freeview 231, Sky 503, Virgin 601, and Freesat 200. If you’re watching online or on your TV app, the broadcast will also be available on BBC iPlayer, where it’s accessible for those preferring to stream the statement. Additionally, for viewers who use subtitles, they will be available on the BBC News Channel alongside the signed version.

For those who want to follow the Autumn Statement through Parliament’s own service, a different BSL version will be available on Parliamentlive.tv. This broadcast is entirely separate from the BBC News Channel’s BSL version, allowing viewers more options for how they want to access the information. Whether you choose to watch on the BBC or via Parliamentlive.tv, both platforms are committed to delivering accessible coverage that keeps the BSL community connected and informed.

So, don’t miss out—it’s BSL on the BBC News Channel or, if you prefer, the SEPARATE but usual BSL coverage on Parliamentlive.tv

Hiya, I’m not deaf but I am autistic. Sometimes I go completely nonspeaking and struggle to communicate. I have a few deaf friends so use BSL quite a lot and know it well, but I don’t know if it’s okay to use it as an aid when I’m unable to speak. The reason I ask is because I asked a deaf friend and she said it’s disrespectful to actual deaf people to use BSL as people will think I’m deaf. I’m looking for other opinions on the matter as I’m not sure what to do.

Thank you! :)

Edit: I accidentally used the word nonverbal in the title, I actually meant nonspeaking. Sorry!