The first point of contact for a person interested in learning sign language is usually the local Deaf club or college: the address will be in the telephone directory, or it can be obtained from the library. Staff at the Deaf club should be able to provide you with all the relevant information and may be able to arrange introductions to the tutors or members of current classes.
An introductory class may be available where the students start to learn about deafness, the Deaf community and their language. They are also taught some basic signs and the manual alphabet, or fingerspelling as it is known.
(Teaching about sign language)
To gain a certificate in sign language skills, a student needs to enrol on a CACDP1 approved course for Level 1 in British Sign Language. These are usually taught at evening classes for one or two hours each week over three ten-week terms. The tutor will usually be Deaf and will provide class material and instruction for basic understanding in British Sign Language and an awareness of the Deaf world. At the end of the course, the student will have the opportunity to take the Level 1 exam.
Once the Level 1 exam is passed, it is possible to progress to Level 2 (intermediate) level. These courses increase a student’s vocabulary of signs and will introduce them to many grammatical features of the language. Students will be encouraged to mix with Deaf people, although it is not acceptable to ask Deaf people to ‘practise’ signing with them. The Level 1 tutor will be able to provide details concerning the availability of these classes.
The next step is to undertake a Lavel 3 taught course leading to assessment at NVQ Level 3, this is designed for people wishing to acquire advanced signing skills. Again, your Level 2 tutor will be able to tell you about these classes.
If there is no Deaf club locally, you can obtain details about sign language classes in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland from the Council for Advancement Communication with Deaf People (CACDP)1 or from the Scottish Association of Sign Language Interpreters (SASLI)2. Your local library may also have lists of courses offered at community colleges.
- CACDP Pelaw House School of Education University of Durham Durham DH1 1TA
Tel: 0191 374 3607 Web: www.cacdp.org.uk - SASLI 31 York Place Edinburgh EH1 3HP
Tel: 0131 557 6370 Web: www.sasli.org.uk - To find out more, books and instructional videos can be bought from The Forest Bookshop 8 St. John Street Coleford GL16 8BR
Web: www.forestbooks.com