Bilingualism

‘Bilingual’ means being able to use two different languages successfully. A Sign Bilingual
Approach means children learn two languages at once, at least one being sign language
(usually British Sign Language (BSL) in the UK).

Key features of Sign Bilingualism

In the UK children usually learn written and (to a greater or lesser extent
depending on the child’s level of hearing) spoken English and also BSL, plus any
additional languages spoken at home, later.
Learning English as a second language is essential for children to develop reading
and writing as there is no written form of BSL.
BSL is a language in its own right with its own unique structure and grammar rules.
Parents will need to develop a good level of BSL to help create a good Sign Bilingual
environment at home.

Many professionals who support this approach believe that the only way deaf children
can have complete access to language and communication is through sign language, as
however good amplification through hearing technology is, hearing is not the natural
sense through which deaf children learn about the world around them.

Underpinning the Sign Bilingual approach is a philosophy that sees deafness as a

positive identity and culture.

Education
Professionals who support the approach believe that if you choose Sign Bilingualism
your child will need to be in an educational setting where both the staff and other
children can sign and where there are deaf people on the staff, if your child is to get
the best possible access to education. This might be in a specialist school for deaf
children, or a mainstream school with resourced provision.
When a Sign Bilingual approach is used for teaching deaf children from hearing
families it is often called ‘Bilingual-bicultural’ (‘bi-bi’) education. This means that
although most deaf children come from hearing families, they will be taught about
and experience Deaf culture. A bi-bi education provides the opportunity for your
child to both experience the ‘hearing culture’ of their home (if that is the case) and the
‘Deaf culture’ of the Deaf community.

Going to a school for deaf children might mean that your child will need to be away
from home, as there are not many across the country. It is more likely that you will
have a mainstream school with resourced provision closer to you but not always in
your own neighbourhood.

Social life and friendships

Being able to communicate effectively is vital for children to make lasting friendships,
so it’s important that if you choose a Sign Bilingual approach your child can be around
others who use British Sign Language (BSL), and that other children in the family also
learn some BSL.

If your child is at a specialist or residential school for deaf children, or a mainstream

school with resourced provision it is likely they will make strong friendships with
their classmates there. Outside of school and in social settings, it will be important,
where possible, to encourage children in the neighbourhood to learn BSL so that your
child can enjoy local friendships too.

Sign Bilingualism and hearing technology

Because the main aim of Sign Bilingualism is to allow a child to communicate fully
without relying on hearing, professionals who promote Sign Bilingualism believe the
use of hearing aids or hearing technology is not essential.

Many families of deaf children who use hearing technology will continue to use BSL
as part of their communication approach even if spoken language becomes the main
way they communicate. Doing so may help to ensure that your child is able to
communicate successfully when not wearing hearing technology or in difficult
listening conditions. It may also allow your child to communicate and play with deaf
friends who use sign, and help them to feel connected to the Deaf community, for
many of whom BSL will be a first language.
Deaf children who use BSL can also benefit from the use of hearing technology. You
might find our information on hearing aids and hearing implants helpful in explaining
the different types available, how each works and whether they may be appropriate
for your child.

Sign Bilingualism and other languages

Over the past ten years the number of children with English as an additional language
in UK schools has more than doubled. If your family has recently moved to the UK, or
you would like your deaf child to be able to understand and communicate in BSL,
English as well as your home language then it is recommended that your child is
exposed to each language as soon as possible. Use the ‘mother tongue’, as well as
English and BSL with your child at home, and use the techniques and approaches as
agreed with your teacher of the deaf, Speech and Language therapists and other
professionals working with your child.

If available, see if you can access professionals with experience of families with
English as a second language (ESL), including speech and language therapists and
interpreters. This person may be able to help you in meetings to put you on equal
footing with others if your own English language skills are still being developed. It is
also beneficial to take advantage of the hearing technology available to your child.

Whether you use your home language to support understanding in English, or vice
versa, the priority should be to support the child in developing a rich and fluent
language to provide a solid base for learning other languages.

How can my family and I learn BSL?

There are many different ways you can access accredited BSL courses — through
local colleges, private businesses, charities or voluntary groups.

Often local authorities offer support for families wishing to learn BSL. You will need
to check your local authority’s’ Local Offer, usually available on their website, to find
out what support you can get in your area.

You may find it helpful to view our information on learning BSL, which explains in
more detail the different options available to parents of a deaf child wishing to learn
BSL.
Also, you may find it beneficial to view our Family Sign Language information which
aims to introduce families with a deaf child (0–5 years) to ways they can make
signing part of their everyday routines. It also has lots of practical suggestions for
deaf-friendly activities that everyone can join in with.

Who will support us if we choose the Sign Bilingual

approach?
You should expect to be supported by professionals who are skilled in using British
Sign Language (BSL) such as your Teacher of the Deaf (ToD).

The Deaf community

If you are hearing and have no deaf people in your family, you may also want to learn
about Deaf culture and make sure that members of the Deaf community are part of
your wider contacts – including young people who use BSL as their first language as
well as those who use hearing aids or implants.

This can help enrich your experience and understanding, and improve your own
signing skills. Our family events often offer opportunities to meet deaf role models
and members of the wider Deaf community and you can find out where these are
happening in your area.