Should British Sign Language be taught in schools?

British Sign Language (BSL) is a unique language used by the deaf community in the UK. It is a visual language that has its own grammar and syntax, and it is the first or preferred language of around 150,000 people. Despite this, BSL is not generally taught in schools, which many people call for change. This article will explore the arguments for and against teaching BSL in schools and discuss whether it should be made a part of the curriculum.

Arguments for teaching BSL in schools:

Inclusivity

By teaching BSL in schools, we would be promoting inclusivity and accessibility for the deaf community. This would help to break down barriers and increase understanding between the deaf and hearing communities.

Career opportunities

Learning BSL could open career opportunities in fields such as interpreting, teaching, and social work. It could also be a valuable skill for those working in customer-facing roles, such as in the hospitality industry.

Cognitive benefits

Learning a second language has been shown to have cognitive benefits, such as improved memory, problem-solving skills, and multitasking abilities. This could be especially beneficial for children who are still developing their language and cognitive skills.

Cultural enrichment

BSL is a vibrant and unique language with its own history and culture. By learning BSL, students would be exposed to a different perspective and gain a greater appreciation for the diversity of the UK.

Arguments against teaching BSL in schools:

Time constraints

Schools already have a lot to teach, and adding BSL to the curriculum could take away from other important subjects. Some argue that it would be better to offer BSL as an optional extracurricular activity rather than a mandatory subject.

Cost

Teaching BSL would require hiring trained teachers and providing resources such as textbooks and materials. This could be expensive, and some argue that the money would be better spent on other educational initiatives.

Lack of demand

While BSL is an important language, it is not widely used outside of the deaf community. Some argue that teaching BSL in schools would not be practical because it would not be used by the majority of the population.

In conclusion, there are valid arguments both for and against teaching BSL in schools throughout the UK. While it would promote inclusivity and provide career opportunities for students, it could also be costly and take away from other important subjects. Ultimately, the decision should be based on whether the benefits of teaching BSL outweigh the costs. However, given the cultural enrichment, cognitive benefits, and career opportunities that learning BSL can offer, it is worth considering making it a part of the curriculum in schools.