Learn BSL from someone with 18 years experience working with deaf people professionally and registered with NRCPD

Find out more about Isaac

• Do you speak this language fluently because of your origins or because a teacher inspired you to learn?

  A little bit of both. Where I grew up in a tiny town, there were not may different nationalities or cultures and languages. However, were naturally Deaf and Hard of hearing people who relied on British sign Language to communicate. I was associated with a local religious congregation (church) that provided services for deaf people to enable access to Bible education. A deaf member began teaching me BSL since he was so desperate to access things hearing people could read in a book or learn by attending any church service, at any time. He got me to the point I hold any conversation, and I spent the next 6 years working and associating with Deaf people. I then moved to London where I completed my Undergraduate degree and began working in schools, colleges and universities.

• Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  Rose Ayling-Ellis - the Deaf strictly come dancing contestant, she embodies the challenges of living with deafness and accessing service, but also the exemplary character for others to copy since she does not allow her deafness to hold her back.

• Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or behaviour in the language that you particularly like?

  Yes, there is a specific BSL unique sign with the thumb, fore-finger and middle finger which flicks the left shoulder with the lip-pattern "Vee", and it means "Yeah right" or "Sure whatever!" and epitomizes many of the situations I've found myself in over the years.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Other people can learn the target language, they can move to the country and with effort and time, become proficient at the new language, but Deaf people cannot learn to hear, they rely on sign language. For this reason it is so much more personal, and meaningful than any other language. At least to me it is.

• What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  This language is difficult to practice, since most learners don't know any deaf people. However, there are now many resources online and videos available to increase exposure.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  One time I was interpreting a lecture given in English by a Frenchman. Because of his accent, I thought he began his lecture with the question "Do you have Healthy Shoes?". But he actually said "do you have Health Issues?". Needless to say, the deaf audience was as confused as I was, and it took a good 5 minutes before I could backtrack and correct the mistake.

• How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  Since my work takes me all over the country it helps me to learn the different regional signs. I began my studies in Cornwall, then moved to London, then work moved me to the Midlands in Burton On Trent. So I've had a wide area's regionality to broaden my perspective.

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  After 18 years of working, associating and thinking in BSL, I now find myself using this language more often, yet being hearing and working secularly as an interpreter, I can apply the knowledge of both hearing and deaf worlds in my role as a tutor.