The expansion of British Sign Language (BSL) vocabulary now encompasses climate-related terms such as “greenhouse gas” and “carbon footprint,” terms that previously lacked official signs. This evolution eliminates the need for children, educators, and scientists to resort to finger-spelling complex scientific terms during communication.
Dr. Audrey Cameron, who leads the sign language project at Edinburgh University, underscores the objective of devising ideal signs that can visually represent scientific concepts. Dr. Cameron, who is profoundly deaf herself, highlighted the challenges she encountered in her scientific career due to the absence of appropriate vocabulary. This linguistic gap often excluded her from crucial discussions and meetings.
The project, hosted by the Scottish Sensory Centre, involves workshops where signs are crafted, and its impact is profound. Glasgow-based biology teacher Liam McMulkin, a participant in these workshops, emphasized the visual nature of sign language and its efficacy, especially in conveying abstract scientific ideas. Mr. McMulkin used “photosynthesis” as an example, illustrating how sign language can enhance understanding. He demonstrated how one hand representing a leaf interacts with another hand gesturing sun rays to visually depict energy absorption by the leaf.
Funded in part by the Royal Society, the science glossary initiative commenced in 2007, contributing around 7,000 new signs to BSL. Dr. Cameron elucidated the process of sign development, which involves collaborating to ensure accuracy while capturing visual representations of meaning.
The recent additions on British sign language focus on biodiversity, ecosystems, the physical environment, and pollution. An online video glossary effectively demonstrates these new terms.
