Climate change: Can someone who can’t hear as well as most of us engage in a discussion about it? Thanks to a series of extra, dedicated signs in British Sign Language (BSL) they can. So now, more people can give their perspective when it comes to this hot topic.
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The Scottish Sensory Centre (SSC) started in 2005 with subject specific terms in British Sign Language. A lot as happened since. The glossary has developed into nearly 2000 signs and almost as many definitions in maths, science, technology and engineering. Now, SCC has added climate change with an additional 200 signs in biodiversity, ecosystems, environment and pollution. Interpreters at meetings can use the signs. And people from the deaf community; whether in a personal or professional capacity.
Sharing vital work with the world
Prof. Jeremy Sanders, the chair of the Royal Society’s diversity and inclusion committee, spoke to The Guardian newspaper about the new signs. He mentioned they are there to “inspire and empower the next generation of BSL-using students.” Plus, that they will “allow practising scientists to share their vital work with the world.”
The Institute of Sustainable Studies reported that the creators, a mix of sign language experts and deaf scientists, hope the new vocabulary will simplify the learning process for deaf individuals. Plus, that it will support deaf children to fully participate in discussions on the subject in schools, whether in the classroom, the science lab, or at home.
Climate change: feeling excluded
At the same time, Dr. Audrey Cameron, who leads the Scottish Sensory Centre’s BSL Glossary project, reflected on the news. Dr. Cameron, herself from the deaf community, said how in her own scientific career she had often experienced a lack of vocabulary. And how this had led to her feeling excluded from important meetings and conversations.
She added: “I was involved in research for 11 years, and went to numerous meetings. But, I was never truly involved, because I couldn’t understand what people were saying. I wanted to talk with people about chemistry, and I just wasn’t able to.”
“The new signs aim to inspire and empower the next generation of BSL-using students. And to allow practising scientists to share their vital work with the world.”
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