Around the world in many signs

I had another stationary world tour (which is hard not to do in London). A month a go I started an intensive British Sign Language course because I had always wanted to reach out to the most isolated communities of which the Deaf communiy is one. As part of the new language practice my teacher suggested I attend the Deaf Club once a week what made me immediately very nervous since I am a complete beginner. However when I arrived all my worries disappeared. I was warmly welcomed by the receptionist when a man in his early thirties signed to me if I am a beginner. I signed yes and that I am hearing. He signed: "No worries, me beginner too, deaf." Me: "LOL! Beginner and also deaf, how?" He: BSL beginner. Deaf, yes but from Syria." Me: Oh OK sorry.

Of course I realized how silly I was thinking only hearing people can be beginners. We were joined by four deaf students and two teachers one hearing and one deaf. Itwas the most confused, colorful, joyful team ever. An Indo-Portuguese thirty-something woman, a late twenties lady from Australia, a gentleman from the USA, a Japanese and a Syrian. It's almost incredible how varied non-verbal languages can be. Someone asked me how come Sign Languages aren't the same. I asked them back how com we don't all speak the same language? The answer is logical. Different societis perceive different notions in different ways and will therefore describe them the way they see them as do verbal people with words. Of course we all had a few bloopers each but on a positive note the man from the USA says BSL is much more logical and expressive than its American counterpart. All in all I loved the place and can't wait to go back again!