BSL glossaries, a resource
Intro: There are a number of really useful BSL glossaries to be found on websites, YouTube, Instagram, etc.
You may not know of all of them, and they are not always easy to find, so, I have brought them together here, along with a couple of other related resources. I provide information about each glossary, including, where known, the process for developing any new signs.
This resource is primarily intended for BSL/English interpreters and translators but may also be of use to those interested in learning, developing, or communicating in BSL.
Please feedback on this resource and let me know if there are any missing glossaries or when new ones are developed.
For glossaries to be included in this resource they will usually need to be subject specific and created by teams rather than individuals. Where they contain signs that have been created this will need to have been done with the involvement of deaf and native signers and subject experts.
You may not know of all of them, and they are not always easy to find, so, I have brought them together here, along with a couple of other related resources. I provide information about each glossary, including, where known, the process for developing any new signs.
This resource is primarily intended for BSL/English interpreters and translators but may also be of use to those interested in learning, developing, or communicating in BSL.
Please feedback on this resource and let me know if there are any missing glossaries or when new ones are developed.
For glossaries to be included in this resource they will usually need to be subject specific and created by teams rather than individuals. Where they contain signs that have been created this will need to have been done with the involvement of deaf and native signers and subject experts.
A little background – glossaries and BSL
All languages have a lexicon (vocabulary and expressions) that are understood by users of that language.
In BSL and other sign languages this lexicon can be fixed or productive. The fixed lexical items are often nouns, which can be understood without any context. For example, the BSL sign for ‘dog’.
In the productive lexicon new meanings are created by combining linguistic components following grammatical rules. These will often be visually motivated and may include base signs such as the verbs 'jump' and ‘look’ that can be modified to communicate different meanings.
Typically, signs are developed organically through usage in the community, but sometimes it can be useful to initiate this process and create signs for some technical terms.
Glossaries are often developed as a resource to support people with suggested signs, and to standardise usage. They do this by sharing signs (and sign phrases) already in use that may not yet be widely known; and sometimes by creating new signs, so expanding BSL’s fixed lexicon. However, not all sign variants will necessarily be documented like this.
New signs are usually created by deaf BSL users, who are also subject experts, sometimes working with linguists.
In BSL and other sign languages this lexicon can be fixed or productive. The fixed lexical items are often nouns, which can be understood without any context. For example, the BSL sign for ‘dog’.
In the productive lexicon new meanings are created by combining linguistic components following grammatical rules. These will often be visually motivated and may include base signs such as the verbs 'jump' and ‘look’ that can be modified to communicate different meanings.
Typically, signs are developed organically through usage in the community, but sometimes it can be useful to initiate this process and create signs for some technical terms.
Glossaries are often developed as a resource to support people with suggested signs, and to standardise usage. They do this by sharing signs (and sign phrases) already in use that may not yet be widely known; and sometimes by creating new signs, so expanding BSL’s fixed lexicon. However, not all sign variants will necessarily be documented like this.
New signs are usually created by deaf BSL users, who are also subject experts, sometimes working with linguists.
Some suggestions about how we can use, and should not use, BSL glossaries
Use them to better understand concepts and jargon that may come up in a particular occupational, educational, or interpreting context, and to discover some possible BSL that you could use in that context.
Consider where, if and how you might use a ‘new’ sign. The fact that a sign exists in a glossary does not mean it is widely used or that you should use it in any individual context. It is not a crime to not use it.
However, where glossaries are of terms used by people relevant to (their) self-identity then adopt them unless you have reason not to. For example, signs relating to sexual identity.
If you do use a sign or phrase you have found in a glossary that may not be known by participants, introduce (scaffold) it so that its’ meaning is understood. There is not a lot of point to using the sign for ‘carbon footprint’ if no one except you knows that is what the sign means.
Be collaborative where possible, discussing and agreeing new vocabulary before using it; or if that is not possible, check understanding before continuing to use it.
Respect and reflect signs that BSL users use, even where not the sign in a glossary, unless the signs used may be experienced as pejorative, in which case you may feel it appropriate to use different language, for example, relating to sexual identity or ethnicity.
Remember glossaries represent the choices of those involved in developing a glossary at a particular point in time. Not all BSL users will agree with all included items, and different signs may be used by different BSL communities.
Finally, where the glossary contains new signs, these are often the result of a lot of work by teams of experts. So, they are an excellent opportunity for us to explore and reflect on why, and how, new signs have been developed; for example, exploring the visual motivation and use of root signs.
Consider where, if and how you might use a ‘new’ sign. The fact that a sign exists in a glossary does not mean it is widely used or that you should use it in any individual context. It is not a crime to not use it.
However, where glossaries are of terms used by people relevant to (their) self-identity then adopt them unless you have reason not to. For example, signs relating to sexual identity.
If you do use a sign or phrase you have found in a glossary that may not be known by participants, introduce (scaffold) it so that its’ meaning is understood. There is not a lot of point to using the sign for ‘carbon footprint’ if no one except you knows that is what the sign means.
Be collaborative where possible, discussing and agreeing new vocabulary before using it; or if that is not possible, check understanding before continuing to use it.
Respect and reflect signs that BSL users use, even where not the sign in a glossary, unless the signs used may be experienced as pejorative, in which case you may feel it appropriate to use different language, for example, relating to sexual identity or ethnicity.
Remember glossaries represent the choices of those involved in developing a glossary at a particular point in time. Not all BSL users will agree with all included items, and different signs may be used by different BSL communities.
Finally, where the glossary contains new signs, these are often the result of a lot of work by teams of experts. So, they are an excellent opportunity for us to explore and reflect on why, and how, new signs have been developed; for example, exploring the visual motivation and use of root signs.
Glossary, dictionary, corpus, lexicon – what is the difference?
A glossary is a collection of subject-specific terms, that may or may not have explanations. They may contain existing and/or newly created terms.
A dictionary is a collection of the lexical items in a language, with information about meanings, usage, and articulation.
A corpus is a collection of language as it is / has been used.
Lexicon is used in different contexts to mean different things. Here it is used to mean the complete set of meaningful units in a language.
A person’s vocabulary are the specific lexical items that an individual person uses and understands.
A dictionary is a collection of the lexical items in a language, with information about meanings, usage, and articulation.
A corpus is a collection of language as it is / has been used.
Lexicon is used in different contexts to mean different things. Here it is used to mean the complete set of meaningful units in a language.
A person’s vocabulary are the specific lexical items that an individual person uses and understands.
Glossaries related to the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
British Sign Language Glossaries of Curriculum Terms. Website and app, Scottish Sensory Centre (SSC), 2007 to date, terms and explanation
This is really a collection of 10 glossaries. Many of the glossary terms are supported by signed definitions, filmed lab experiments and examples.
In part, because of the number of glossaries, it is not the easiest to navigate, and it is not always clear where you will find terms, for example, terms relevant to climate change can be found across several glossaries.
However, all the terms in the glossary English can be searched for from the search function on the main page, or by using the A-Z index at the bottom of the main page.
Each individual glossary also has an A-Z index where you can look for terms just within that glossary.
The target audience was initially deaf young people at school who use BSL and who want to learn independently using the internet, focussing on glossaries for STEM subjects. More recent glossaries are also more directly relevant to specific occupational areas, for example, cyber security.
Supported by a project team, terms are collected and developed by BSL users, academics, subject specialists, and linguists, with a BSL first approach.
Links
The individual glossaries
In part, because of the number of glossaries, it is not the easiest to navigate, and it is not always clear where you will find terms, for example, terms relevant to climate change can be found across several glossaries.
However, all the terms in the glossary English can be searched for from the search function on the main page, or by using the A-Z index at the bottom of the main page.
Each individual glossary also has an A-Z index where you can look for terms just within that glossary.
The target audience was initially deaf young people at school who use BSL and who want to learn independently using the internet, focussing on glossaries for STEM subjects. More recent glossaries are also more directly relevant to specific occupational areas, for example, cyber security.
Supported by a project team, terms are collected and developed by BSL users, academics, subject specialists, and linguists, with a BSL first approach.
Links
- The home page showing all the glossaries
- About - Information about the project and glossaries
- Download the app
The individual glossaries
Glossaries about identity
LGBTIQA+ BSL Glossary. Website, Deaf Rainbow, no date, terms and explanation
This contains signs currently used by the LGBTQ+ community, with explanations, and various forms where more than one used.
As of August 2023 - DCAL are working with Deaf Rainbow to review current signs in use, and create new ones where needed.
Link - LGBTIQA+ BSL Glossary
As of August 2023 - DCAL are working with Deaf Rainbow to review current signs in use, and create new ones where needed.
Link - LGBTIQA+ BSL Glossary
Black Deaf Community Glossary. Video clip, SignVideo by Sorenson, 2021, terms only
A single film containing a short glossary of signs developed by the Black Deaf Community.
Link (video on Twitter) - Black Deaf Community glossary
Link (video on Facebook) - Black Deaf Community glossary
Link (video on Twitter) - Black Deaf Community glossary
Link (video on Facebook) - Black Deaf Community glossary
Glossaries related to health and abuse
A glossary of key terms that are used in the UK related to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV). Webpage, Justisigns 2 project, 2023, terms and explanation
This glossary contains 33 key terms, providing the term, the definition, and a suggested sign (more than one sign or combination of signs). The glossary was developed with deaf and hearing communication professionals, people who had interpreted or experienced DSGBV, and the police.
Link - A glossary of key terms that are used in the UK related to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV)
Link - A glossary of key terms that are used in the UK related to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV)
BSL vocabulary around abuse. Webpage, Deaf-initely Women, 2021, terms and explanation
A glossary with vocabulary around abuse, with all the clips signed by one person. There is no information on how the glossary was made, and whether the signs are as used or have been created. From the ‘abuse’ and ‘abuse types’ tabs you can find deeper explanations in BSL about what abuse is, and kinds of abuse.
Link - BSL vocabulary around abuse
Link - BSL vocabulary around abuse
Health information in BSL, covering topics from cancer and depression to types of abuse. Website, Sign health, no dates given
This is not a glossary; however, it is resource that can be used to develop our understanding of an area, key concepts, and the BSL used to describe and discuss these. The resource is divided into four categories: Your Mind, Your Body, Domestic Abuse, and First Aid.
Link - The video library main page
Link - The video library main page
Glossaries related to occupational specialisms
Architecture. Instagram and website, Kristapsons and Laing, 2021, terms and explanation
The glossary is on Instagram, and background about the glossary on a webpage. This is a collaboration between Adolfs Kristapsons, an architect who graduated in 2020, and Chris Laing, RCA graduate. The glossary was developed through workshops with other deaf practitioners, with support from Dr Kate Rowley, a linguist from DCAL.
Link (Instagram) - Glossary
Link - (webpage) - Background
Link (Instagram) - Glossary
Link - (webpage) - Background
Computing science (includes databases, software development, web development, etc.). Website and app, Scottish Sensory Centre (SSC), 2007 to date, terms and explanation
See British Sign Language Glossaries of Curriculum Terms (above) for more information.
Link – Computing science
Link – Computing science
Cyber security. Website and app, Scottish Sensory Centre (SSC), 2007 to date, terms and explanation
See British Sign Language Glossaries of Curriculum Terms (above) for more information.
Link – Cyber security
Link – Cyber security
Data science (includes data analysis and data visualisation, etc.). Website and app, Scottish Sensory Centre (SSC), 2007 to date, terms and explanation
See British Sign Language Glossaries of Curriculum Terms (above) for more information.
Link – Data science
Link – Data science
Technical theatre (i.e., backstage). Website, TechTheatreBSL, 2021, terms and explanation
This glossary was developed through collaboration between subject experts, BSL translators and interpreters, and practitioners, and is a beautifully filmed and effectively presented glossary.
Link - Glossary
Link - Glossary
Glossaries related to religion
Christian signs. Website, Christian BSL, no date, terms and explanation
This glossary includes over 1,000 signs and phrases that are used in a Christian context, including signs used by different Christian denominations. I could not find any information about how they go about creating new signs, or if they have done.
There is no information on whether the signs in the glossary are collected or have been created. If signs have been created, then there is no information about how signs are created. People are invited to contribute suggestions of words/phrases/signs/prayer topics to be added.
Link - Glossary
Link - Suggest a word
There is no information on whether the signs in the glossary are collected or have been created. If signs have been created, then there is no information about how signs are created. People are invited to contribute suggestions of words/phrases/signs/prayer topics to be added.
Link - Glossary
Link - Suggest a word
BSL signs for Hinduism. YouTube video, NDCS, 2022, terms only
This glossary is a single film containing a glossary of signs for Hinduism, with the English glossary listed in the text below the video, and the time code by each sign. There is no information on how the glossary was made, and whether the signs are as used or have been created.
Link (YouTube) – Glossary
Link (YouTube) – Glossary
BSL signs for Islam. YouTube video, NDCS, 2022, terms only
This glossary is a single film containing a glossary of signs for Islam, with the English glossary listed in the text below the video, and the time code by each sign. There is no information on how the glossary was made, and whether the signs are as used or have been created.
Link (YouTube) – Glossary
Link (YouTube) – Glossary
BSL signs for Judaism. YouTube video, NDCS, 2022, terms only
This glossary is a single film containing a glossary of signs for Judaism, with the English glossary listed in the text below the video, and the time code by each sign. There is no information on how the glossary was made, and whether the signs are as used or have been created.
Link (YouTube) – Glossary
Link (YouTube) – Glossary
Glossaries related to sport
Curling. Webpage, Scottish curling, 2018, terms only
A very short glossary, for technical terms related to curling. There is no information on how the glossary was made, and whether the signs are as used or have been created.
Link – Glossary
Link – Glossary