Book of the Week - Sign Language Companion : A Handbook of British Signs

Published Date: 21st September 2026

21-27 September marks the International Week of Deaf People for 2026, https://wfdeaf.org/international-week-of-deaf-people-2026/ and celebrates deaf history, language, creativity and community.  If you have ever wanted to learn some British Sign Language (BSL) or improve your confidence when communicating with deaf patients, colleagues or service users, "Sign Language Companion" is an excellent place to start.

This newly updated edition provides a clear and accessible introduction to British Sign Language (BSL), Britain's fourth most widely used language and the primary language of many members of the Deaf community. Learning even a small amount of BSL can help create more inclusive, person-centred interactions and support better communication in healthcare settings.

A practical guide for beginners and learners

Featuring more than 400 illustrations of common signs, the book introduces vocabulary in groups of related concepts, making it easier to build confidence and start forming real conversations from the outset.

Topics include:

• Getting to know people
• Sharing interests and ideas
• Feelings and relationships
• Food and drink
• Everyday communication

The visual layout makes the book easy to pick up and use, whether you're learning independently or supplementing a formal BSL course.

Why might health professionals find it useful?

Effective communication is at the heart of high-quality care. Understanding some BSL can help healthcare professionals become more aware of the communication needs of deaf patients and support more inclusive interactions.

While not a substitute for professional interpreting services when required, resources such as this handbook can help develop awareness, confidence, and basic communication skills that contribute to a positive patient experience.

Updated for today's learners

This new edition includes an updated preface and refreshed resources, while retaining the clear, practical approach that has made it a trusted guide for many years. Suitable for learners of all ages, it remains a valuable introduction to BSL and a handy reference for anyone wishing to develop their signing skills.

Available through your library

Whether you're looking to broaden your communication skills, support inclusive practice, or simply learn something new, Sign Language Companion is a useful and engaging resource to explore. Reserve a copy through our catalogue: https://tinyurl.com/33wua6wm, or contact the library  if you don't have a library barcode yet.