What British Sign Language (BSL) is

British Sign Language (BSL) is the most common form of sign language in the UK.

BSL is the first language for many Deaf and Deafblind people in Scotland. It involves a combination of hand shapes and movements, lip patterns, facial expressions, and shoulder movements. BSL has its own grammar and structure that is completely different from English. 

BSL was recognised as its own language in 2003 and as an official language of England, Wales, and Scotland in 2022.

2% of people in Renfrewshire are BSL users, according to Scotland’s Census data.