Clare's Story - A BSL Level one student

Clare Neville, 23, has been learning British Sign Language since September 2007. She has recently graduated from Leeds University with a BSc degree in geography and is currently working to save money so she can travel the world.

Clare first became interested in sign language at a very early age when a boy, whose younger brother was Deaf joined her class at primary school.  

“His whole family was learning to sign in order to communicate with his brother.  He showed the class a few signs and we had a mini lesson about what sign language was and were shown the basics.  From then I always found it interesting.” Recalls Clare.

Her interest in sign language was further developed by a childhood neighbour who had learnt basic sign language and was taking her NVQ course to teach Deaf children. It was at this time Clare began to find the idea of being able to communicate through sign language with anyone who was Deaf fascinating.

A few years later, after completing her degree, Clare joined BID services with Deaf people as a receptionist in July 2007.  Working for a Deaf focussed charity meant Clare had regular contact with Deaf staff and clients, something that encouraged her desire to learn even more;

“From working on reception I got a slight indication of how frustrating it can be when you can’t communicate with someone.  

Having just finished my degree and opting to take a year out before starting my PGCE it became the perfect time to take up BSL and begin to bridge the gap in communication.

I am really enjoying learning my level one course.  My teacher, Leah, is fantastic and it is a really lovely group of people who I learn with.  So far I don’t feel out of my depth with it.”

In fact it’s the challenge learning BSL presents that Clare enjoys most….

“It’s so different from the learning I did while at university, obviously being more animated, which is why I enjoy it so much.”

Clare is hoping to pass her level one in January and is keen to continue learning BSL after a spot of globe trotting and gaining her teaching qualifications.  

When asked if she would recommend learning sign language to a friend she replied;

“Yes! I would recommend doing it.  I think more people should be learning to sign because it bridges the communication gap between Deaf and hearing people. I think it’s an important skill to have in the society that we live in and it promotes the idea of community including people from different backgrounds and cultures”.