by Kate Steel
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of participating in one of my all-time favourite activities: being a student 🤓
I joined the undergrads on my ‘Non-verbal Communication’ module for a guest expert workshop by John Mancini from Sign Jam BSL – one of the UK’s most experienced BSL teachers. We explored the linguistics of British Sign Language: how BSL grammar differs from what the students know about English grammar, and how visual languages differ from spoken languages. Finally, John guided us through some basic sign language.
Equally valuable was the opportunity for the students to improve their Deaf awareness. John emphasised the pride and strong social ties that characterise the Deaf community – and shared his insights into how best to interact with profoundly Deaf people. John’s interpreter was Dan Hunt, President of UWE’s BSL Society and a Paramedic Science student.
We at Bristol Centre for Linguistics are grateful to John for treating our students to a truly inspiring session, and to Dan for organising it!
~ Kate
UWELingo 