Whether to gain the ability to communicate with a deaf friend like the Beckhams or to open the door to a new career, studying British sign language can be highly fulfilling…

The reasons for wanting to learn sign language are many and varied, from having had contact with a deaf person or wanting to communicate and assist the speech or hearing impaired community. David and Victoria Beckham for instance, are learning sign language with their children so they can communicate with a deaf friend.

British Sign Language (BSL) has its own grammatical rules and structure, which are completely different from English. It uses hand gestures, movements and facial expressions to convey meaning.

BSL was only recognised as an official British language in March 2003. Around 70,000 hearing and deaf people use sign language in the UK, which means that it is used more than Welsh or Gaelic.

Doing a basic course in sign language will help you to understand and use a range of simple words and sentences, allowing you to follow and give simple directions or instructions.

It could also open up a new career path as a sign language interpreter. There is huge shortage in the UK and interpreters are always in high demand. Why not take a look through the courses listed in this section and take the first steps towards  a different way of speaking.