Introduction to BSL - Frontline Staff — Signature Vocational ESOL & Literacy

The Signature Level 1 Award in British Sign Language (RQF) is an introductory qualification designed for learners with no prior knowledge of BSL. It covers basic communication skills, including finger spelling, numbers, and simple conversational phrases. This award is part of the ESOL & Literacy suite and provides a foundation for further study in BSL or for using sign language in everyday interactions with Deaf people.

The qualification focuses on three key areas: receptive skills (understanding BSL), productive skills (signing), and conversational skills. You will learn to exchange personal information, discuss everyday topics, and use appropriate facial expressions and body language. Mastery of these basics is essential for effective communication and for progressing to Level 2.

This award is important because it promotes inclusivity and breaks down communication barriers. It is widely recognised by employers, educational institutions, and the Deaf community. By achieving this qualification, you demonstrate a commitment to accessibility and gain a valuable skill that enhances your personal and professional life.

• →Manual alphabet and finger spelling: Learn the handshapes for each letter to spell names and unfamiliar words.
• →Numbers 1-100: Master cardinal numbers, including variations for time, age, and quantity.
• →Basic sentence structures: Understand topic-comment structure and use of non-manual features (e.g., eyebrow raise for questions).
• →Everyday vocabulary: Signs for greetings, family, colours, animals, food, and directions.
• →Conversational skills: Turn-taking, asking for clarification, and maintaining visual contact.

• Award credit for demonstrating correct handshapes and movements for numbers 1-20, including appropriate placement in signing space.
• Credit for accurately producing signs for greetings and introductions, using appropriate facial expression and eye contact.
• Expect correct responses to questions about the weather, including use of non-manual features (e.g., squinting for sunny) to add meaning.
• Award credit for correctly identifying and producing at least five different transport modes with clear handshapes.
• Credit for giving simple directions using spatial referencing and correct directional verbs (e.g., GO-TO, TURN-LEFT) with appropriate body shift.

• 💡Engage in paired practice to simulate conversational exchanges, focusing on smooth turn-taking and appropriate response times.
• 💡Watch BSL video resources to improve receptive skills and familiarise yourself with different signing styles.
• 💡Use facial expressions and non-manual features consistently to convey tone, question forms, and emphasis.
• 💡When giving directions, physically turn your body to match the route and use clear locative pointing.
• 💡Memorise key vocabulary for weather and transport, but also practise rephrasing statements to maintain fluency if a sign is forgotten.
• 💡Use clear, precise handshapes and movements: Examiners look for accuracy in finger spelling and sign production. Practice in front of a mirror to check your form.
• 💡Maintain eye contact and use appropriate facial expressions: This shows engagement and grammatical correctness. For yes/no questions, raise your eyebrows; for wh-questions, lower them.
• 💡Respond naturally in conversations: Don't just rehearse scripted answers. Listen to your partner's signs and respond appropriately, even if you need to ask for repetition.

• Using English word order instead of BSL grammar, e.g., signing 'WHAT YOUR NAME?' as 'WHAT IS YOUR NAME?'
• Confusing similar signs such as 'rain' and 'snow' due to similar handshapes but different movements.
• Omitting facial expressions when describing weather, making statements unclear or ambiguous.
• Incorrect palm orientation when producing numbers 1-5, which can change meaning.
• Mixing up directional signs by not using the signing space consistently, leading to confusion in giving directions.
• BSL is a visual representation of English: BSL has its own grammar and syntax, different from English. For example, word order is often topic-comment, not subject-verb-object.
• Facial expressions are optional: Non-manual features (facial expressions, head movements) are grammatical in BSL. Without them, signs can change meaning or become ungrammatical.
• Signing slowly helps understanding: In BSL, natural speed and rhythm are important. Overly slow signing can disrupt the flow and make comprehension harder.

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