This might sound like a daft question, but honestly I've no experience of this so as ever I'm asking the BBS for help. My German stepson works with severely disabled children in Germany, and he uses sign language to communicate with many of them. He wants to come to Barnsley to improve his sign language skills and he's asked me for help. Barnsley College do courses, but I've really no idea how sign language works. For example, is it language based? If someone can sign to a good level with a German speaking child, would they be able to sign to an English speaking child, or would they need to learn an English version of sign language? Any info would be very useful, I'm trying to find out what level of course he would need to go on. I know I'll get the odd daft reply, but if anyone knows more about this subject please help. Cheers lads and lasses.
There’s no worldwide sign language ‘language’, all countries are different to each other and some countries don’t have it at all (and some have more than one). That’s why ours is specifically referred to as ‘British Sign Language’.
Thank you, I did predict it would be a "daft question"! That explains why he wants to come to England to learn the British version. I've been in touch with Barnsley College and they won't know what course they are running until August, so I'll fob him off until then. You Reds!
Might be worth contacting one of the deaf charities in the area. I'm sure they would appreciate help and he could improve his skills in a practical environment - even just a week Or even Barnsley Council - https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/adult-skills-and-community-learning/british-sign-language-bsl/
No worries, it’s not daft. There’s tons and tons of stuff online so he could always get a head start until then. Depending on who he is planning on using it with Makaton is popular here with young children and those with learning difficulties and is often used alongside some spoken language. It is used very frequently in mainstream and special schools. BSL is used with the deaf community more generally where a deaf person wouldn’t struggle to learn and communicate in the more complex language. You can check out the Makaton website here and it may answer some of your questions. https://www.makaton.org/aboutMakaton/makatonWorldwide
Mr Tumble actually uses Makaton, which comes from BSL. Makaton is designed to help hearing people with learning or communication difficulties. It uses signs and symbols, with speech, in spoken word order. It played a very large part in turning my non verbal 6 year old autistic son into a 8 year old who never stops talking. Funnily enough my son never liked Mr Tumble but me and the wife would watch it all the time as it was a nice easy way to learn the signs.
Thanks all, I've sent him the links. He wants to study in Barnsley as I suspect he may well be offered free accommodation, but he's a bit frustrated about having to wait until August to find out about courses starting just a couple of weeks later. As far as Mr Tumble is concerned, we could do with a few more penalties, so gerrim signed.
Yeah i know its Makaton. My daughter likes watching it and learning the signs. It's great for kids (and parents) and sounds like its been fantastic for your son!
Barnsley Adult Learning Services used to offer a variety of ‘Taster courses’ I use to use them when organising Learning at Work Days through the Union. I remember Sign Language being on offer and it being quite popular amongst staff.