British Sign Research Articles

A lexical database of British Sign Language (BSL) and German Sign Language (DGS): Iconicity ratings, iconic strategies, and concreteness norms

Iconicity, understood as a resemblance relationship between meaning and form, is an important variable that has important psycholinguistic effects in lexical processing and language learning across modalities of language. With the growing interest in iconicity, clear operationalizations in terms of the different ways in which iconicity is construed and measured are critical for establishing its broader psycholinguistic profile. This study reports a normed database of iconicity ratings for the same concepts in British Sign Language (BSL) and German Sign Language (DGS). As a related dimension, we also report the type of iconic mapping strategy, i.e., a nominal variable that reflects the different ways in which signs make form-meaning associations for each sign. Finally, we include concreteness ratings for the same concepts. Data from deaf and hearing signers show that iconicity ratings are strongly correlated across both languages, with different distributions across the different strategies, and skewed towards the iconic end of the scale for all groups except German hearing non-signers. Concreteness ratings in BSL and DGS are correlated, though more weakly, and skewed towards the concrete end of the scale. Interestingly, this differs from findings for spoken languages, where concreteness ratings exhibit substantially stronger correlations and abstract concepts are more predominantly represented. We also find that iconicity and concreteness ratings have a moderate positive and strong positive correlation in BSL and DGS, respectively. These results will be useful in psycholinguistic research and highlight differences that can be attributed to the manual-visual modality of signs.

Silent Harm: Evidence-Informed Training for Stakeholders Working in Interpreter-Mediated Gender-based Violence Settings

Discussion and disclosure of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) remains taboo for many. DSGBV was spotlighted as a ‘shadow pandemic’ across the Covid-19 pandemic with significant increases in instances of abuse recorded across the period. Concurrently, lack of access to any information around DSGBV in non-dominant languages including signed languages, along with limited organised opportunities to discuss DSGBV has left many speakers/signers experiencing DSGBV in a vacuum (Napier, Clark, Leeson, & Quigley, 2024; Opsahl & Pick, 2017). There is robust consensus that migrants, refugees and members of deaf communities who experience DSGBV should have timely access to interpretation by competent and specially trained professionals in a respectful framework of practice based upon integrity, which upholds their human rights. This, in turn, facilitates equitable engagement with the legal system and relevant support services (e.g. Admire & Ramirez, 2021). The literature also reveals a need for further research on interpreter preparedness towards enhanced understanding of its impact on DSGBV disclosures. Vicarious trauma for interpreters and gaps in understanding amongst law enforcement and support agencies about what constitutes positive interpreting experiences for all parties, are among the areas most urgently requiring further research, We tackled these challenges with the multidisciplinary Justisigns 2 project team (2020-23), developing evidence-informed resources for key stakeholders who engage with deaf, refugee, and migrant women and girls who experience GBV and use a language other than that of their host community. Follow on work (Royal Society of Edinburgh/ Royal Irish Academy) facilitated roll-out with police, interpreters and other stakeholders in rural Scotland and Ireland. Significant work with deaf women across the project raised consciousness around DSGBV and led to the co-creation of glossaries of DSGBV terms in Irish Sign Language (ISL) and British Sign Language (BSL). In this paper, we present results of a survey of key stakeholders from Ireland, the UK and Spain and outline our development of specialist training. We discuss how legislative frameworks and national policies around DSGBV and equality need further co-enmeshment, and we consider how minority community women who do not speak the host language, can be better included in informing and guiding development of processes that impact them.

2094 Awake Craniotomy With English and British Sign Language Mapping in a Patient With a Left Temporal Glioblastoma Reveals Discordant Speech-Sign Language Maps

2094 Awake Craniotomy With English and British Sign Language Mapping in a Patient With a Left Temporal Glioblastoma Reveals Discordant Speech-Sign Language Maps

Developing an Intelligent Recognition System for British Sign Language: A Step Towards Inclusive Communication

Effective communication is crucial for ensuring inclusivity, yet the hard-of-hearing community faces significant barriers due to a shortage of qualified interpreters. British Sign Language (BSL), officially recognised in the UK, relies on hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements. However, limited interpreter availability necessitates technological solutions to bridge the communication gap between signers and non-signers. This study proposes a real-time, vision-based BSL recognition system using computer vision and deep learning to interpret fingerspelling and six commonly used BSL words. The system employs OpenCV for video capture, MediaPipe for hand feature extraction, and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks for sign classification. A dataset incorporating left- and right-handed signers achieved a 94.23% accuracy rate for 26 fingerspelling gestures and 99.07% for six words. To enhance usability, a graphical user interface was developed, enabling seamless real-time interaction. These findings demonstrate the potential of AI-driven sign language recognition to improve accessibility and foster more inclusive communication for the hard-of-hearing community.

He said ‘I will ask you questions’: A case study of interpreter impact on rapport building in an authentic sign language interpreter-mediated police-suspect interview

In police-suspect interviews it has been argued that rapport building and management plays a vital role in collecting good quality evidence. How rapport building and management is achieved in the presence of an interpreter is an understudied topic. To examine how the interpreter manages this feature of communication we present an interdisciplinary case study analysis of an authentic police-suspect interview involving a deaf suspect, a British Sign Language interpreter and two police officers. Discourse-based interpreting research has determined that interpreters are participants within the interpreter-mediated interaction, and that a high level of discursive expertise and sensitivity is a necessary skill for interpreters working in police interview settings. For this study we draw on policing research to apply a rapport model used in police interviews, and on interpreting studies to examine the interpreter’s use of expanded renditions (Wadensjö, 1998) and source attribution (Metzger, 1999) and the interpreter’s impact on rapport building. These rendition types contain what appears to be conscious or unconscious additions to the source message that seem to support the suspect’s ability to understand the interpreted message but, in some cases, potentially jeopardise the officer’s rapport building strategies. The examples we provide demonstrate the delicate balance needed because expansions to meaning, repetitions or source attribution utilised by the interpreter may lead to unintentional coercive outcomes.

Neural adaptations in short-term learning of sign language revealed by fMRI and DTI

While vocal articulation is a unique feature of spoken languages, signed languages use facial expressions and hand movements for communication. Despite this substantial difference, neuroimaging studies show that spoken and sign language rely on similar areas of the brain in the frontal and parietal regions. However, little is known about the specific roles of these areas and how early they get involved. In the present study, we investigate the impact of short-term training-related changes in learners of British sign language (BSL). Pre- and post-training functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging scans were taken from twenty-six right-handed healthy volunteers. During the training course, participants were taught to discriminate and sign basic sentences using BSL for three consecutive days (1 h per day). fMRI results show increasing brain activity in the right cerebellum and cerebral brain areas including bilateral middle temporal gyrus, left angular gyrus, left middle and inferior frontal gyrus. Moreover, functional connectivity increased significantly after training between these areas. Microstructural findings show significant mean diffusivity and radial diffusivity reductions in the left angular gyrus, which are significantly correlated with behavioural improvement. These results reveal a high degree of similarity in the neural activity underlying signed and spoken languages. The rapid microstructural changes, identify the left angular gyrus as a structure that rapidly adapts to newly learnt visual-semantic associations.

Accessing Art and Heritage Through a Visual-Spatial Language: In-person and Digital British Sign Language Museum Tours

ABSTRACT In 2018-19, the author curated four “Access All Senses” events in three different museums, which showcased British Sign Language (BSL) tours to “mainstream” hearing visitors. The aim was to test whether there was a demand for these beyond the intended audiences of Deaf BSL users. In this paper, the results from feedback and reflections from these events are set alongside the creation and use of digital BSL cultural resources. This paper investigates how such resources can be used and applied, with evidence from hearing focus groups and a project based in a bilingual (BSL-English) primary school. It argues that Deaf art guides leading BSL tours can offer a service for all visitors, including hearing people.

Standing at the crossroads: Child safeguarding and Deaf BSL parents (in England)—Issues and challenges in social work

Abstract Focussing on Deaf parents using British Sign Language (BSL) in England, this article shares perspectives of Child and Family social work practitioners (CFSWs) across a large urban area, through the lens of cultural competence. In an under-researched field, it explores linguistic and cultural aspects of working with Deaf parents, for whom English is not their first language, in the specific context of parenting assessments in child safeguarding procedures. Individual semi-structured online interviews were conducted by the researcher (in BSL) with seven CFSWs using English, involving a sign language interpreter. Participants were encouraged to reflect on the assessment process when it involves Deaf parents and/or other cultural-linguistic minority groups. Employing Braun and Clarke’s reflective thematic analysis method, the findings are grouped into three themes: CFSWs’ knowledge of working with Deaf people; cultural aspects relating to Deaf parents’ understanding of safeguarding/child protection proceedings; and meeting the communication and cultural needs of Deaf parents. The results identify several factors in current practice which impact CFSWs’ competence to carry out an assessment involving a Deaf BSL parent. Findings highlight the need for relevant training and resources developed specifically for this cultural minority group. Future research including the direct perspectives of Deaf parents is indicated.

Assessing deaf parents in safeguarding and child protection processes: Deaf experts’ experience of routine social work practice

This study concerns Deaf parents whose primary language is British Sign Language (BSL) and who are assessed as part of safeguarding and child protection processes. Seven Deaf-specialist professionals were interviewed in BSL about their experiences of usual practice with Child and Family Social workers who have little or no experience of child protection investigation and safeguarding assessments involving Deaf BSL users. The Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) informed data generation and the approach to analysis in BSL. Findings focus on: (i) getting early interactions right between mainstream social workers and Deaf parents (ii) the practice of relying on written English (iii) problems of cultural adaption between languages (iv) cultural norms in asking questions and (v) challenges arising from a poverty of background information. Recommendations are offered for improving cultural-linguistic practice when working with Deaf parents within safeguarding/child protection.

The influence of mode of remote delivery on health-related quality of life outcome measures in British Sign Language: a mixed methods pilot randomised crossover trial

ObjectivesLittle is known about the efficacy of remotely delivered outcome measures (psychological/health-related assessments) in a signed language for Deaf people. The objective is to explore the equivalence of two modes of remote delivery of health-related quality of life outcome measures in British Sign Language (BSL): asynchronous online assessment versus synchronous live face-to-face online assessment in sign language.MethodsThirty-one participants were recruited through Deaf networks and sign language media. Measures used were validated BSL versions of the EQ-5D-5L, EQ-VAS and CORE-10. A randomised, crossover trial was conducted between March and May 2023 with seventeen first receiving asynchronous assessment and sixteen first receiving synchronous live online assessment. This study explored whether the outcomes of the two assessments are equivalent regardless of modality of delivery. Demographic data were collected, and eight participants took part in semi-structured qualitative interviews exploring modality preferences and the impact of each modality.ResultsThe mean difference between pre-recorded and live modes was 0.034 for EQ-5D-5L BSL (90% CI 0.015–0.051), 4.33 mean difference for EQ-VAS BSL (90% CI 0.697–8.083), and mean difference of 0.17 for CORE-10 BSL (90% CI − 1.4065 to 1.1775). The confidence intervals for each of the EQ-5D-5L BSL, EQ-VAS BSL, and CORE-10 BSL lie within the prespecified equivalence margins which suggested that the two modes are equivalent.ConclusionThe results demonstrate that EQ-5D-5L BSL, EQ-VAS BSL, and CORE-10 BSL may be considered as equivalent across modes of remote delivery. This further strengthens the validation of existing standardised assessments in BSL.A BSL version of the abstract is available in Supplementary Video 1.

Voicing (Medical) Complexity in the Theatre of Sarah Kane: 4.48 Psychosis (1999) and its Stage Adaptation by Deafinitely Theatre (2018)

This paper proposes a reading of Sarah Kane’s 4.48 Psychosis (1999) from a theoretical perspective combining medical humanities, disability, and performance studies (Henderson and Ostrander; Murray); the aim is to expand upon previous scholarship which sought to analyse Kane’s multifarious ways of aestheticising—and questioning—illness and pain (e.g. Guarracino, “Scene”; Simon; Soncini), by reading medical discourse through the notion of ‘complexity’ (Kuppers, Theatre; Siebers). Firstly, I will focus on how complexity comes to the surface through the dramatic text: as Jolene Armstrong has pointed out, the linguistic renderings of a psychotic mind—staged as a medical spectacle—make 4.48 Psychosis a peculiar case study because it is “less like a play than a prose poem intended for interpretative performance” (Armstrong 177). Secondly, I will look at how Deafinitely Theatre attempted to translate the dramatic text into a bilingual performance (i.e. in spoken English and British Sign Language), set in a mixed-reality environment (e.g. the incorporation of video material into the live performance). Ultimately, this dual dimension will hopefully shed new light on the degree of performability of (medical) complexity in 4.48 Psychosis.

Shorter but richer versus longer with less information: linguistic differentiation between British Sign Language and sign supported English

Abstract The distinction between natural sign languages and sign-supported speech is a controversial topic and difficult to assess purely on structural terms because of language contact. Here, we consider British Sign Language (BSL) and Sign Supported English (SSE) with reference to Irvine and Gal’s (2000. Language ideology and linguistic differentiation. In P. V. Kroskrity (ed.), Regimes of language, 35–84. Oxford: Currey) framework on linguistic differentiation. Using interview data from 121 deaf BSL signers from the BSL Corpus, we show that this framework allows us to better understand how BSL and SSE are defined by BSL signers. We refer to the semiotic processes of this framework: iconisation, fractal recursivity, and erasure. BSL, including its varieties, is strongly associated with deaf communities in Britain. Specific grammatical forms in BSL that differ markedly from English constructions are presented as exemplars of sign language use (iconisation), oppositions between deafness and hearingness are repeatedly applied to different social groups (fractal recursivity and iconisation), and occurrences that may not align with this opposition are rarely acknowledged (erasure). We suggest that these semiotic processes are motivated by language maintenance and educational policies. We conclude with a discussion on how deaf signers distinguish between BSL and SSE, suggesting distinctions made are ideologically driven with political and historical roots and better understood from a translanguaging perspective. Abstract and keywords in British Sign Language (BSL) can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtZomy9ab2U.

Application of AI in Turkish Sign Language Translation: A Case Study of its Use and Purpose

In Turkey, around 3 million people have hearing impairments, and the shift to digital platforms during the pandemic has worsened accessibility challenges as websites and apps often ignore their needs. Research shows that 50% of hearing-impaired individuals struggle to understand written text due to Turkish Sign Language being their first language, with Turkish serving as a second language. Differences in grammar between Turkish and Turkish Sign Language, along with a limited sign language vocabulary, further hinder comprehension. To solve this, we developed AI-powered sign language translation systems that allow people who are deaf or hard of hearing to access digital content in Turkish Sign Language. SignForDeaf's system translates text into sign language videos using Natural Language Processing (NLP) and generates seamless videos with smooth word transitions. Currently, this system supports Turkish Sign Language, with future plans to include other languages like Arabic, American, British, and Finnish Sign Language. The system was designed in collaboration with sign language experts to ensure accuracy and an inclusive development of a digital environment.

Sign duration and signing rate in British Sign Language, Dutch Sign Language and Swedish Sign Language

In this article, we look at sign duration and signing rate in corpora of three sign languages – British Sign Language (BSL), Dutch Sign Language (NGT), and Swedish Sign Language (STS). We investigate whether token frequency and sociolinguistic variables (e.g., age, gender, region) influence the production rate of signing. Following Zipf’s law of abbreviation, we see that a sign’s duration is negatively correlated with its frequency. Both sign duration and signing rate are found to correlate with signer age, in that older signers have longer durations and lower rates than younger signers. Signers' gender, family (deaf or hearing), and age of exposure have no effect on duration or signing rate. For NGT and STS, there is no effect of region on either duration or rate. However, in the BSL data, duration and signing rate vary with region. The overall findings align with previous work on spoken languages, particularly that frequency and aging are correlated with word length and production rate, thus demonstrating such patterns across modalities of language.

Design a smart platform translating Arabic sign language to English language

Sign language is the only means of communication for deaf and hearing-disabled people in their communities. It uses body language and gestures, such as hand shapes and facial expressions, to convey a message. It is important to note that sign language is specific to the region; that is, Arabic sign language (ArSL) is different from English sign language. Therefore, this research proposes a way to improve the translation of ArSL using a new artificial intelligence (AI) architecture. Specifically, a convolutional neural network (CNN) based on fine-tuning of the SSD-ResNet50 V1 FPN is applied to build a real-time ArSL recognition and translation system with fast and accurate results. The proposed AI architecture can provide translation of sign language in real-time to enhance communication in the deaf community. We achieved an average F-score of 86% and an average accuracy of 94%.

Exploring positional and dimensional aspects of topographic space for advanced-level British Sign Language learners

Abstract This study investigates how British Sign Language (BSL) learners develop positional and dimensional aspects of topographic space. The teaching of BSL has been occurring at an increasing rate, and many people are learning to use BSL to the advanced levels, which are generally referred to in the UK as BSL Levels 4 and 6 and are loosely equivalent to pre-C1 (advanced) and C1 (proficient), respectively, on the Common European Framework for Reference (Languages) scale. Spatial grammar is a crucial aspect of BSL (Brennan 1992), and this article provides insight into issues related to learning how to use topographic space, a feature of spatial grammar whereby real-world referent locations are replicated in the signing production. This study of L2 advanced learners of BSL explores the numbers and types of errors that are made when applying topographic features into their signing, with a particular focus on positioning and dimensionality aspects. Two scenarios are used do this: classroom layouts (Task 1) and a courtroom layout (Task 2). The study concludes with reflections on how BSL teachers can support L2 learners in improving their development of topographic skills.

Transparency Animations: Trusted Research Environments, Data Linkage and Synthetic Data

BackgroundWith funding from HDR UK, Research Data Scotland (RDS) commissioned award-winning production company Media Co-op to create three short graphic animations targeted at both researchers and members of the public, building on our existing text-based content by introducing educational resources in a new format. These videos highlight three topics that have generated substantial interest among RDS users: Trusted Research Environments, data linkage and synthetic data. IntroductionFounded in 2021, RDS’s brand values centre on providing clarity, encouraging simplicity and building public trust. These values closely align with the aims of the HDR UK Transparency Standards, particularly around transparent application processes and criteria (Standard 2) and consideration for target audiences (Standard 4). MethodsRDS worked with creative agency Media Co-op to develop the animations with input from both subject matter experts and members of the public. Data experts were consulted throughout the project to ensure information accuracy. Two rounds of feedback from the Scotland Talks Data public panel, run jointly by RDS and the Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research (SCADR), were also incorporated with the aim of ensuring appropriate and accessible language. ResultsThe resulting animations explain complex topics in layperson terms to aid comprehension. Each video also has a corresponding British Sign Language (BSL) version to aid wider accessibility. We anticipate that these videos will ensure both researchers and the public can glean a clearer understanding of these intricate concepts. ConclusionsBy applying a Creative Commons Non-Commercial Share Alike 4.0 license to all three videos, we intend for all partner organisations across the UK to be able to reuse or share these videos with their respective audiences. The more organisations share these videos, the more we will build a collective understanding of these complex topics. The final animations can be viewed on the RDS YouTube channel: How is data kept secure? What is data linkage? What is synthetic data? To honour our commitment to creating accessible content, BSL versions of all three animations are also available: How is data kept secure? (BSL) What is data linkage? (BSL) What is synthetic data? (BSL)

Sign Language Analysis Using CNN Algorithm

Sign language is a rich and diverse mode of communication used by Deaf and hard of-hearing communities around the world. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of sign language, focusing on its linguistic and gestural elements. Our study encompasses an exploration of the structural properties of sign languages, their historical evolution, and the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying sign language processing. We begin by providing an overview of sign language as a natural and fully developed language with its own syntax, semantics, and phonological features. Drawing from various sign languages, including American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL), and others, we investigate the grammatical aspects and iconicity within signs. Furthermore, we examine the role of facial expressions and non-manual markers in conveying essential linguistic information. This analysis also delves into the historical and cultural dimensions of sign languages, shedding light on the evolution of sign languages and the influence of Deaf culture on their development. It highlights the importance of recognizing sign languages as unique cultural and linguistic entities, distinct from spoken languages.

British Sign Language and its Role in Dentistry

Hearing impairments affect up to 1.57 billion individuals globally, and 11 million people within the UK. Worldwide, 60% of hearing loss in children is due to preventable causes. Types of hearing loss vary in their aetiology and severity; however, all can negatively affect an individual's quality of life. The general health of those within the deaf population has been shown to be poorer than that of the general population, with under-diagnosis and under-treatment of chronic conditions putting individuals at risk of preventable ill-health. Deaf individuals experience greater problems in accessing healthcare, with a lack of British Sign Language (BSL), deafness awareness training and other communication aids being identified as barriers in such settings. With respect to dental health, deafness can result in poorer oral hygiene and greater dental caries. Communication issues faced at the dentist include being called from the waiting room, communicating with the dental team, mask wearing and background noise in the surgery. British Sign Language is a visual and spatial language, using movements of the hands, body, face and head. With its own grammar, syntax, idioms and regional variations, it is recognized as an official language in England, Wales and Scotland. This article provides a general background on hearing loss, its influence on general and dental health, an introduction to BSL, and hopes to encourage the general dental practitioner to seek further training in BSL. CPD/Clinical Relevance: To aid in effective communication with patients who have hearing loss, a knowledge of BSL would be helpful.

Interactional Infrastructure across Modalities: A Comparison of Repair Initiators and Continuers in British Sign Language and British English

Abstract: Minimal expressions are at the heart of interaction: Interjections like "Huh?" and "Mhm" keep conversations flowing by establishing and reinforcing intersubjectivity among interlocutors. Crosslinguistic research has identified that similar interactional pressures can yield structurally similar words (e.g., to initiate repair across languages). While crosslinguistic comparisons that include signed languages remain uncommon, recent work has revealed similarities in discourse management strategies among signers and speakers that share much of their cultural background. This study contributes a crossmodal comparison of repair initiators and continuers in speakers of English and signers of British Sign Language (BSL). We combine qualitative and quantitative analyses of data from sixteen English speakers and sixteen BSL signers, resulting in the following: First, the interactional infrastructure drawn upon by speakers and signers overwhelmingly relies on behaviors of the head, face, and body; these are used alone or sometimes in combination with verbal elements (i.e., spoken words or manual signs), while verbal strategies alone are rare. Second, discourse management strategies are remarkably similar in form across the two languages: A held eye gaze or freeze-look is the predominant repair initiator and head nodding the main continuer. These results suggest a modality-agnostic preference for visual strategies that do not occupy the primary articulators, one that we propose is founded in recipiency; people maintain the flow of communication following principles of minimal effort and minimal interruption.