There are many different sign languages worldwide, and it can be challenging to understand their differences. This blog post will discuss the difference between Makaton and BSL. Makaton is a sign language used in the United Kingdom, while BSL is used in Ireland and parts of Canada. Both Makaton and BSL are similar to each other, but they have some important distinctions that you need to know about!
What is Makaton
Makaton is a communication form that uses signs, symbols, and speech to help people communicate. It was developed in the 1970s by Margaret Walker, a speech and language therapist. Many people adopt this with various communication difficulties, including those with autism, learning disabilities, and cerebral palsy. Makaton is an effective way to improve communication skills and can be used by people of all ages.
What is BSL
British Sign Language (BSL) is the primary language used in the United Kingdom (UK). It is a visually-oriented language, primarily signed rather than spoken. BSL is used by around 145,000 deaf people in the UK and by some hearing people who communicate with them.
BSL has its own grammar and vocabulary, which are different from English. However, there is a lot of overlap between the two languages, so many English words can be quickly signed in BSL. For example, the sign for ‘cat’ is simply the same as the letter ‘C’ made with one hand.
Difference Between Makaton and BSL
Makaton and BSL both involve using physical movement to communicate. However, there are some critical differences between the two approaches.
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- Makaton is a language form that uses signs and symbols to help people communicate. It was initially developed for people with learning disabilities, but anyone can use it. BSL is a form of sign language used by deaf people and is based on British Sign Language, the predominant form of sign language in the UK.
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- While both Makaton and BSL use physical movement to communicate, BSL is a more formalised system with its own grammar and syntax. Makaton, on the other hand, is more flexible and can be adapted to different situations.
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- Makaton uses alongside speech, while BSL is a visual-only language. This means that people who use Makaton can still communicate even if they cannot speak.
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- Makaton is more suitable for beginners or those who want less formal communication. BSL is better suited for those looking for a more structured approach.
What are the Benefits of Learning Makaton and BSL
There are many benefits to learning Makaton and British Sign Language (BSL). Makaton is a communication system that uses signs and symbols to help people with communication difficulties. Use by all ages and abilities is particularly beneficial for those with difficulty using spoken language.
Makaton and BSL are both beneficial for people with communication difficulties. They can help improve communication, provide a way to communicate with deaf friends and family, and be a fun and rewarding way to learn a new language.
You can enrol on Makaton and BSL courses online. Many different online courses are available. So you can select one of them that fits your needs and schedule. For example, type in “learns British Sign Language with online BSL courses” to find a variety of methods. Online courses offer the flexibility to deal with your busy life schedule. Most online classes also include downloadable materials and support from qualified instructors, so you can be sure you’re learning the latest Makaton signs and techniques. You should join a online flexible level 2 bsl course today and try it out
Conclusion
BSL and Makaton both are forms of communication for people who are deaf. However, there are critical differences between the two. Knowing their contrast, you can quickly choose the one that best meets your individual needs is essential. So, here you have it! It’s now up to you to decide which one is best for you.
