Developed a new vocabulary for climate change in sign language

There British Sign Language is evolving to include a new vocabulary related to climate changethus allowing the deaf community to participate in environmental discussions. An expert team, made up of deaf scientists and educators from the University of Edinburgh, created 400 new signs for environmental science concepts.

The project, funded by the Royal Society and carried out at the Scottish Sensory Centre, aims to visually represent complex concepts such as greenhouse gases, carbon footprint and sustainability. Creating signs for abstract concepts requires a deep understanding of scientific processes.

Some examples of signs

For example, the sign for “greenhouse gases” represents it visually the interaction of gases with sunlight: Both hands form circles to symbolize gases, while subsequent movements show the reflection and bouncing of sunlight off the Earth’s surface.

Similarly, the sign for “carbon footprint” does not literally translate the English metaphor, but visualizes it carbon emissions. The left hand forms a “C” for carbon, while the right shows the release of emissions, with movements indicating emission levels. The concept of “carbon offsetting” starts from the same “C” shape, then demonstrating the action of reducing carbon levels in the atmosphere.

The sign for “climate change” combines the concept of “climate” with a rotational movement of the handssymbolizing changing weather patterns over time. The speed of movement reflects the rapidity of climate change.

Other terms include “carbon sequestration”, represented by a downward movement to indicate the capture and storage of CO₂, and “sustainability”, which shows a balanced and stable system. The sign for “turning point” symbolizes a critical and irreversible change in environmental systems, accompanied by facial expressions that highlight its severity.

This project not only enriches the vocabulary of BSL, but promotes greater inclusion, allowing the deaf community to access crucial discussions on the future of the planet. Each sign has been carefully designed, tested and approved to ensure a clear and immediate understanding of scientific concepts.