Can Bright help you learn BSL without a class?

Israel Lai

Vocabulary exercises
Amount of content
Language structure
Cultural awareness
Pricing
App design

Summary

Bright BSL is unique not just among sign language apps, but language learning apps in general. It follows the Duolingo paradigm, while adding genuinely creative exercises to introduce you to the inner workings of sign language and Deaf culture.

The free trial has a surprisingly large amount of content — give it a go!

4.5

A few months ago, I started taking learning British Sign Language seriously.

Before that, I had done an online self-learning course, but quit halfway through, because it felt more like a dictionary than a conversation course. This year, I started taking a class at my university.

But I can’t help but wonder what other materials and resources exist out there, that can supplement my learning, or even give me a good foundation in the language.

You might be in a similar scenario, wanting to learn some sign, whether to communicate with someone you know, make new friends, or just learn a new language within a unique medium of communication. Perhaps you aren’t sure it’s for you, so you want to try it out, before committing more time and money to BSL.

I’ve got good news for you. Bright BSL might just be the Duolingo for British Sign Language — except better.

First of all, I’m obliged to remind you that there are many different sign languages in the world, and BSL is what’s generally used in the UK. There are also a lot of variation across regions, but what you’ll learn here will be understood in most places.

Let’s just jump to the conclusion: this is one of the best language apps I’ve ever tried.

It’s still recommended to take a class, but this might just be the next best thing. If you’re learning BSL but aren’t able to go to a class, or if you’d like to supplement your classroom learning, I wholeheartedly recommend you try this out. The only downside I can see is the price.

But if you want to learn more about why I think so, read on.

Continue reading