Wednesday 30-09-2020 - 13:42

By Nathan Choat, Outreach Officer at Durham Sign Laguage Society

Freshers’ week at Durham has the potential to be overwhelming. Scrolling through the list of fantastic societies, from the traditional to the weird and wonderful, you might not be sure which ones to dedicate your time too. Maybe you’re looking for something to make your choice easier; maybe you’re looking for a sign. Well, look no further than British Sign Language Society! We have plenty of signs up our sleeves, and can’t wait to teach them to you this year.

Sure, maybe you didn’t ever think you’d be learning Sign Language at university. Maybe you’ve never come across Sign Language before, or maybe you already know a little bit about it. It doesn’t matter! That’s all part of the fun. As a society we are open to anyone, and if you join we guarantee you’ll have a great time. In fact, here are five reasons why signing up to BSL society is just about the best decision you can make during Freshers’ week…

1. You get to learn a valuable new skill – and a new qualification, if you want
Let’s start with the serious stuff: Sign Language is a life skill, and may help set you apart from others when it comes to getting a job. The opportunities it opens up in terms of communicating with a wide range of people are invaluable, as well as hugely fulfilling. Classes are taught by a qualified instructor, and if you choose to, you can take an exam at the end of the year to prove your competency in Sign Language – currently we cater for both Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications.

2. You get to learn about a whole new culture
Sign Language isn’t just about the language itself: it’s also about Deaf culture. For example, did you know that body language and eye contact are especially important when it comes to communicating with a Deaf person? These are fascinating details that you wouldn’t ever know about unless you took the time to learn them!

3. You get to support the Deaf community
The Deaf community is hugely welcoming, and Deaf people are very appreciative of hearing individuals who make an effort to engage with them through Sign Language, even if they make mistakes! Plus, knowing a bit of sign language is a fantastic way to support Deaf people during the Covid-19 pandemic, as mask-wearing has removed the ability of many to rely on lip-reading to communicate. 

4. You get to meet a lot of new people
Our society has no minimum barrier to entry, and includes members from all year groups, all colleges, and all subjects. It is also open to staff and external students, so you’ll be sure to meet a diverse range of like-minded people. 

5. It’s really fun!
Whether it be our weekly classes or regular socials, we aim to combine learning a new skill with fun, enthusiasm, and the nicest instructor in the world. But don’t just take our word for it. One member from this year says they “enjoyed learning BSL because the whole class and teacher are so supportive of one another”. They recommend the society “for anyone who wants to learn a new language/skill, or just have a bit of fun!” A ringing endorsement!

If you’re interested in the society, we’d love to have you! Drop us an email or ‘visit’ us at Freshers’ fair to sign up and get your questions answered. Plus, be sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for more updates.
 

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