BSL evolved from Makaton, a sign communication system used to support people with learning disabilities, and has been recognised as an official language in its own right since 2011. BSL is not just used in the UK - there are also sign languages used in other countries around the world, such as American Sign Language (ASL) and French Sign Language (LSF).

So what's it like to learn and use BSL? Well, first of all, it's a visual-spatial language that uses hands, facial expressions and body language to communicate. This means that you use your hands to make gestures and signs to express what you want to say. Secondly, BSL is a full language with its own grammar and vocabulary. And finally, BSL users tend to be very passionate about their language - so much so that they sometimes refer to themselves as 'signers' rather than 'deaf people'.

If you're interested in learning more about BSL, there are plenty of resources available online. Or if you want to try using BSL yourself, why not head over to YouTube and check out some of the many videos that have been uploaded by BSL users? You might be surprised at just how easy it is to get started!