BSL vs Makaton
Sometimes, people assume BSL and Makaton are the same thing.
I've had conversations where people were surprised to learn that BSL is a language in its own right.
For our family, BSL isn't a communication tool.
It's a language.
Assumption:
"Isn't BSL just the same as Makaton?"
Truth:
"BSL and Makaton are different."
What often gets missed is that BSL is more than a way to communicate.
It's how many Deaf people share ideas, express themselves, connect with others, and experience the world.
In our family, BSL has always been part of everyday life.
It isn't an alternative to language.
It is language.
Have you ever noticed people mixing up BSL and Makaton?
This reflection comes from my experience as a Deaf parent. It reflects one family's reality, not every Deaf family's experience.
