Here’s to the very first National BSL day!

On April 28th, the UK celebrates National BSL Day, a momentous occasion commemorating the legal recognition of British Sign Language (BSL) as an indigenous language of Great Britain.

This significant day marks a milestone in the journey toward acknowledging the rich cultural heritage and linguistic legacy of British Sign Language. It is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the Deaf community and promote awareness of the importance of BSL in today’s society.

Recognising BSL’s significance

The passing of the British Sign Language (BSL) Act on April 28th, 2022, was a landmark achievement, recognizing BSL as an indigenous language of Great Britain. This accomplishment followed years of dedicated campaigning by the Deaf community, spearheaded by the British Deaf Association (BDA) and the Core Group of deaf organizations who supported the BSL Act Now! campaign.

Celebrating and promoting BSL

National BSL Day is a time for celebration and promotion of BSL and its cultural and linguistic contributions. It is a day to acknowledge the efforts of the Deaf community in advocating for BSL’s recognition and the importance of preserving the language for future generations. The day is also an opportunity to raise awareness about BSL and its significance as a means of communication for the Deaf community.

Awareness and education

The British Deaf Association (BDA) organizes British Sign Language Week (SLW) each year in March, promoting awareness and education about BSL and ISL (Irish Sign Language). The theme of “Promoting BSL and ISL as indigenous languages of the UK” emphasises the need to celebrate and preserve these languages.

During SLW, various events and activities are held to encourage people to start learning BSL and ISL, as well as to educate the wider public about the importance of these languages. The campaign aims to foster inclusivity and support the Deaf community in their efforts to preserve and celebrate their linguistic heritage.

National celebrations

As part of the celebrations for National BSL Day, the BDA proposes that the Deaf community commemorate the day annually on April 28th. In Scotland, celebrations will take place on September 17th and October 22nd to mark the passage and Royal Assent of the BSL (Scotland) Act 2015.

In Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Assembly is working on its own legislation to recognise both BSL and ISL, the two sign languages used in Northern Ireland. This move highlights the growing recognition of sign languages and the importance of inclusivity in all parts of the UK.

Moving forward

As we celebrate National BSL Day, let us reflect on the journey that led to this significant achievement. The hard work and dedication of the Deaf community and their supporters have paved the way for a more inclusive society that values linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.

By recognising and celebrating National BSL Day, we honour the past, present and future of British Sign Language and its speakers. Let us continue to support the Deaf community in their efforts to promote and preserve BSL for generations to come.

National BSL Day is a time to celebrate the recognition and importance of British Sign Language in the UK. It is an opportunity to show our appreciation for the Deaf community and their contributions to society.

By promoting awareness and education about BSL, we can help create a more inclusive and accessible world for all. Let us join hands in commemorating this special day and continue to support the Deaf community in their journey towards greater recognition and equality.