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5. Concluding recommendations
The summary of overall findings of this study are that, when compiling BSL lan-guage policy in the form of legislation it is, therefore, crucial to incorporate the language planning field of enquiry, which also includes other linguistic theories and practice, all informing each other. Because language policy has traditional-ly addressed spoken language, simptraditional-ly focusing on a generic or social policy ap-proach is detrimental to the future of BSL and to its users, and viewing BSL simply as an access tool to mainstream services, although, granted it is one, threatens its existence even more.
Fishman (2001) states that language planning has to take into account the high power stages above GIDS stage 6, which is the establishment. Threatened languages such as BSL need to be given a secure functional niche. However, al-though giving BSL status will give it security, other RLS efforts must be applied consistently.
The practice of focusing on hearing levels of deaf children as a gateway to learn BSL must end. Not only is this detrimental to the health of the language and to deaf children’s wellbeing but it is a fundamental breach of linguistic and human rights. If the state acts as intergenerational transmitter, and undertakes its duty of safeguarding BSL in a linguistic loco parentis function for deaf children and the wider Deaf community, this will demonstrate a will to effectively BSL language plan.
DEX has determined that the Welsh Language model is applicable spoken language law to act as the structure for effective BSL legislation. DEX has the support of some of the linguists who attended the LAUD Symposium (2014).
Colin Baker, internationally renowned expert on bilingualism, and Meirion Prys-Jones, Chief Executive of the Network to Promote Language Diversity, who was also the Chief Executive of the former Welsh Language Board, have advised and supported DEX’s work. DEX’s suggested RLS approach is based on its original BVR recommendations, strengthened by this language planning study and, thus proposes RSL treatment: a BSL Board consisting of committed experts in the field of language planning, recommended to the government for appointment, in line with the Welsh Language Board’s development. The BSL Board should be a gov-ernment appointed advisory body, with the powers to make recommendations to the relevant Secretaries of State and with a governmental method of appeal against decisions. In this hierarchical sense it should follow the Welsh Language revival model.
Parents of deaf children have a right to know what the best outcomes are for their deaf child, based on a huge body of research. This study has brought about a realisation that the individualistic wellbeing and safeguarding approach to deaf children should become a collective linguistic rights issue.
Two quotes emphasise why there is need for a well perceived language plan for BSL, and as a model for other sign languages: “When my teacher signs I hear everything she says” (The Swedish National Association for Deaf, Hearing- Impaired and Language-Impaired Children’s website).
Bernard Spolsky, Professor Emeritus at the University of Tel Aviv, has kindly read through DEX’s research. He gave his verdict: “BSL is severely endangered, and deaf children are also severely endangered.”
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Gregory, Susan. Date unknown. Schools for the Deaf. <http://www.batod.org.uk/index.php?id=/
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Higher education – deaf students / training of interpreters and teachers