Introducing the British Sign Language (BSL)

Dear colleagues,

My name is Zrinka Mendas and I am the BSL tutor at the Centre for Languages and Inter-Communication (CLIC), Cambridge University Department of Engineering.

Why learn the BSL? It is the first language choice of the Deaf community in the United Kingdom and one of the many sign languages used across the world. However, the BSL is not all about the signing; it challenges you to think differently, how to better connect the brain with the body and improve communication skills through lip-reading, use of handshapes and expressing emotions. Because it is a visual language, the BSL is not only aimed at communication with the Deaf but at anyone with hearing difficulty or disability that makes it difficult for them to community orally.

It is also useful in developing more effective clinical communication skills in the University and Colleges and other workplaces once students graduate and begin their chosen careers. To be able to greet and introduce yourself to students and colleagues who may be hard of hearing or deaf alike; to be able to point them in a direction or ask how they feel; this all is a part of our duty of care including the compassion, sympathy and empathy toward others. The BSL may help us demonstrate this better and we should embrace the BSL as an essential feature of everyday clinical life.

I would like to share my experience of being a deaf academic and offer a glimpse into sign language, Deaf culture and the BSL alphabet.

This session will be held in the School of Clinical Medicine, and is limited to 20 attendees. Attendees are welcome to eat their lunch during the session and refreshments will also be provided.

Come and join us! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-introduction-to-british-sign-language-for-clinical-school-staff-tickets-653023620227?aff=oddtdtcreator