Conversational BSL — Signature Vocational ESOL & Literacy

The Signature Level 1 Award in British Sign Language (RQF) is an introductory qualification that teaches learners the basics of BSL, including fingerspelling, numbers, and everyday vocabulary, along with essential grammar and conversational skills. It is designed for beginners and provides a foundation for further study in BSL and deaf awareness.

The Signature Level 1 Award in British Sign Language (RQF) is a beginner-level qualification that introduces learners to the fundamental aspects of BSL. It covers essential vocabulary, fingerspelling, numbers, and basic grammar, enabling learners to hold simple conversations about everyday topics such as family, work, and hobbies. The course also emphasizes the importance of non-manual features (facial expressions, body language) and cultural awareness of the Deaf community.

This qualification is part of the ESOL & Literacy suite but is a vocational qualification that focuses on practical communication skills. It is ideal for those who wish to communicate with Deaf friends, family, or colleagues, or who are considering a career in interpreting, teaching, or social work. The skills learned are not only linguistic but also cultural, fostering a deeper understanding of Deaf culture and etiquette.

In the wider context, BSL is a recognized minority language in the UK, and this Level 1 award serves as a stepping stone to higher levels (Level 2 and beyond). It equips learners with the confidence to engage in basic interactions and provides a foundation for further study, making it a valuable addition to any CV or personal development plan.

• →Fingerspelling: Using handshapes to spell out words letter by letter, essential for names and unfamiliar terms.
• →Numbers: Signing numbers 0-100, including cardinal and ordinal forms, with correct handshapes and orientation.
• →Non-manual features (NMFs): Facial expressions, head movements, and body language that convey grammar and emotion.
• →Basic grammar: Word order (Topic-Comment), question forms, negation, and use of space for referencing.
• →Deaf culture: Understanding the importance of eye contact, getting attention, and respecting communication preferences.

• Award credit for consistent use of appropriate non-manual features (facial expression, eye gaze, mouth patterns) to support meaning.
• Expect correct placement and use of topicalisation within signed sentences when conveying information.
• Look for ability to initiate, sustain and close a basic social conversation with appropriate turn-taking signals.
• Evidence of receptive skills should show comprehension of key vocabulary and simple questions without need for repetition.
• Responses should demonstrate use of BSL grammar, including correct sign order and use of space, rather than English translation.

• 💡Practise with Deaf BSL users regularly to internalise natural conversational flow and cultural norms.
• 💡Record your signing to self-assess non-manual features and identify any English mouthing habits.
• 💡During assessment, clarify meaning by rephrasing rather than dropping your hands or speaking aloud.
• 💡If you miss a sign, use context and surrounding signs to infer meaning rather than guessing the single word.
• 💡Practice regularly with a partner or video to improve fluency and accuracy. Record yourself to self-assess.
• 💡Focus on non-manual features from the start, as they are a key part of the marking criteria.
• 💡Learn the BSL alphabet and numbers thoroughly, as they are used in many exam tasks.

• Using English word order instead of BSL structure, e.g. signing 'What is your name?' in exact English sequence.
• Neglecting non-manual features, resulting in flat, emotionless signing that lacks grammatical markers.
• Failing to establish and maintain a topicalisation framework, leading to confusion about the subject of the conversation.
• Over-reliance on fingerspelling where a lexical sign exists, slowing down the conversation.
• Breaking eye contact frequently, which is considered impolite and breaks the visual channel of communication.
• Misconception: BSL is just English on the hands. Correction: BSL has its own grammar and syntax, distinct from English.
• Misconception: Facial expressions are optional. Correction: They are essential for conveying meaning, tone, and grammatical structures.
• Misconception: You must sign every word in English order. Correction: BSL uses a topic-comment structure, and some words are omitted if context is clear.

1. 1Week 1: Learn the BSL alphabet and numbers 0-20. Practice fingerspelling your name and simple words daily.
2. 2Week 1: Introduce yourself and learn basic greetings (hello, goodbye, please, thank you). Practice with a partner.
3. 3Week 2: Expand vocabulary to include family, colours, and everyday objects. Focus on using non-manual features.
4. 4Week 2: Learn question forms (who, what, where, when, why) and practice asking and answering simple questions.
5. 5Week 2: Review all learned signs and practice a short conversation. Record yourself and identify areas for improvement.

• 📋Receptive skills: You watch a signed video and answer questions about it. Practice by watching BSL videos online.
• 📋Productive skills: You sign a short presentation or conversation on a given topic. Prepare by rehearsing common topics.
• 📋Conversational skills: You engage in a live conversation with the examiner. Practice with a partner to build confidence.
• 📋Fingerspelling and numbers: You are asked to fingerspell names or sign numbers. Drill these until they are automatic.

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