Which Sign Language Should a British Twitch Streamer Choose: BSL or ASL?

Introduction

As a British Twitch streamer aiming to make your stream more accessible to the deaf and hard of hearing community, you might be torn between learning British Sign Language (BSL) and American Sign Language (ASL). This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision based on your core audience, international reach, and the benefits of each language.

Understanding Your Core Audience

First and foremost, you should consider your core audience. If you are based in the UK and your audience primarily consists of Deaf and hard of hearing people within the UK, learning BSL would be the prudent choice. BSL is the primary language used by the Deaf community in the UK and is the most widely understood form of sign language there.

International Reach and Accessibility

British Sign Language (BSL)

BSL has a significant reach beyond the UK. It has spread to other English-speaking nations such as Australia and New Zealand. This makes it a versatile tool for expanding your audience internationally. Moreover, with the advent of the internet, BSL resources have become more accessible, offering a wealth of learning materials and communities.

American Sign Language (ASL)

ASL, while primarily used in the United States, has also expanded its reach globally, especially among American expatriates. However, its impact is more localized compared to BSL. If your audience is predominantly American or there are significant American communities in the region, learning ASL might be more beneficial.

Language Fluency and Accessibility

Fluency in a sign language is invaluable, but it requires time and practice. Learning BSL and gaining fluency can take considerable effort, but it will ensure that you provide full access to your audience. Fluent signers tend to be more engaging and easier for your audience to understand. Until you achieve that level of fluency, adding captions to your streams is a wise strategy to enhance accessibility.

On the other hand, if you are still learning to sign, there may be gaps in your communication, such as facial expressions and proper sign production. These can make your stream less accessible and enjoyable for the Deaf and hard of hearing community. Therefore, it is recommended to provide captions alongside learning sign language, and if possible, collaborate with a professional deaf signer.

Practical Considerations

For streamers who wish to expand their reach globally, BSL might be the more cost-effective choice. While there are similarities between BSL and ASL, BSL has its unique features and idiomatic expressions. Investing in fluency in BSL can pay off in the long run by providing a broad and consistent base of communication.

Conclusion

In summary, if you are a British Twitch streamer aiming to make your stream accessible, prioritizing BSL is a strategic move. However, if there are significant American communities or your audience is primarily American, ASL might be more suitable. In any case, enhancing accessibility by learning any sign language and supplementing with captions will greatly benefit your audience, whether they are in the UK or abroad.

Note: The decision to learn a sign language should not solely be based on aesthetics or convenience. It should be driven by the desire to effectively communicate with your audience and provide them with the best possible experience.