# British Sign Language **URL:** \ **Category:** Articles\ **Created:** [May 12, 2020, 5:05pm UTC](https://howtodiscuss.com/t/british-sign-language/282 "2020-05-12T17:05:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 2
**Author:** ![Hanne](https://howtodiscuss.com/user_avatar/howtodiscuss.com/hanne/32/3909_2.png) [@Hanne](https://howtodiscuss.com/u/Hanne)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2022, 8:16am UTC](https://howtodiscuss.com/t/british-sign-language/282/2 "2022-01-02T08:16:17Z")
### What is the history of British Sign Language? History has documented the existence of sign language in deaf communities in England as early as 1570. Like all languages, British Sign Language has evolved from these sources through modification, invention, and importation. ### What is the UK sign language? British Sign Language (BSL) is the sign language used in the United Kingdom (United Kingdom). It is the first or preferred language of some deaf people in the United Kingdom. In 2011, 15,000 people in England and Wales reported using BSL as their primary language. ### What are symbols in Sign Language? Sign language symbols are usually symbols that represent familiar words or objects. It is usually done using handmade shapes. A total of 150 hand shapes are used in American Sign Language. These symbols are similar to the sounds of language. ### What are the Sign Language signs? American Sign Language (ASL) is an extensive and complex language that uses hand gestures, facial expressions, and postures. It is the primary language of many deaf Americans and one of several means of communication used by deaf or hard-of-hearing people. ### What is British Sign Language (BSL)? British Sign Language is the official language recognized by the United Kingdom and is mainly used by the deaf. Numbers are an integral part of sign language and are essential to many conversations. ### What is Sign Supported English (BSL)? Deaf people use various communication methods, including speech and lip reading, but BSL is the UK’s most widely used sign language communication method. Some people use Sign Enhanced English (SSE), which is not a whole language but a type of English with symbols. --- _[View the full topic](https://howtodiscuss.com/t/british-sign-language/282)._