Vote for BSL Living Heritage
British Sign Language is part of our shared cultural life. We are preparing a submission to the UK Government to recognise BSL and Deaf cultural practices as Living Heritage. Watch the seven short clips below and vote for the examples you believe best represent BSL in the UK.
Why Your Vote Matters
British Sign Language is more than communication; it is culture, identity and shared experience. The BDA is preparing a submission to the UK Government to ensure BSL and Deaf cultural practices are recognised as part of the UK’s Living Heritage.
The seven clips below highlight different examples of BSL in everyday life — from humour and storytelling to sign names and Deaf Space. We want to hear from you.
Please watch all seven clips before selecting your 1st, 2nd and 3rd choices.
BSL Humour
Gavin Lilley
BSL humour is visual, expressive and rooted in shared experience. This clip explores how jokes and funny stories are created, performed and passed through generations.
Deaf Space
Sujit Sahasrabudhe
Deaf Space shows how environment shapes connection and communication. Lighting, layout and sightlines support BSL and influence how Deaf people move through the world.
BSL Poetry
Ishmael Mansoor
BSL poetry transforms language into powerful visual art. Rhythm, handshape and expression combine to reflect identity, emotion and lived experience.
Sign Names
Tom Lichy and Paula Garfield
Sign names are a valued part of Deaf culture. They carry identity, belonging and recognition within the community, and reflect shared traditions.
Sign Games
Catherine Drew
Sign games bring rhythm, storytelling and creativity into everyday interaction. They support language development while strengthening connection and joy.
BSL Child-Directed Signing
Kate Rowley
Early child-directed interaction in BSL shapes confidence and identity. Everyday shared signing builds language, belonging and emotional connection.
BSL Drama
Nadia Nadarajah
BSL drama brings stories to life through movement and performance. It celebrates Deaf creativity and the expressive power of visual language.
Cast Your Vote
You’ve watched the clips. Now tell us which examples best represent BSL as Living Heritage.
Please select your 1st, 2nd and 3rd choices below. Your responses will help shape our submission to the UK Government and ensure Deaf cultural practices are recognised and valued.
Deadline
The deadline to cast your votes is: 18th March 2026
Votes submitted after this date cannot be included in the final submission.
What Happens Next
Once voting closes, we will review all submissions and identify the most selected examples. These will form part of our final Living Heritage submission, highlighting the richness, creativity and cultural depth of British Sign Language.
Your participation directly strengthens the case for recognition.
Voting Guidelines
- Please select three different examples
- Each clip may only be chosen once
- Don't try to vote more than once
Do remember to make 1st, 2nd and 3rd place choices. Taking a moment to review all clips before voting will help ensure a fair and representative outcome.