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Science in British Sign Language

EmilieT
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Hey everyone, 

 

I wanted to share some news I've read with you 🤓

 

Liam Mcmulkin, a student of life Sciences at the University of Dundee who was born deaf, grew frustrated at the lack of complex scientific terms in British Sign Language during classes. He explained that some of the scientific words being very long, meant that interpreters during lectures were often finger spelling those words for a long time and it was very tiring to watch and follow.

 

He decided to tackle this problem, and with funding from the BSDB Gurdon Summer Studentship and The Robertson Trust, began inventing new signs for scientific terms, making science more accessible for all. Liam invented over a hundred new signs, which are now recognised by British Sign Language and used across the country. 

 

I thought this was a really amazing initiative, and made me think about what other gaps might be out there 🤔

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Cleoriff
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What an absolutely brilliant initiative from this young student @EmilieT 

 

Absolutely correct to come up with new sign terms for scientific words. As Liam is profoundly deaf he had a double problem. Studying for a scientific degree whilst waiting for someone to sign or finger spell words such as deoxyribonucleoside !!

 

Also great that the words are recognised by the British Sign Language Association.

 

I see he is now studying for his Masters. The very best of luck to him. He will go far in life. heart

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TallTrees
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Yes @EmilieT 

I was listening to this too ~ good job Liam Fantastic

Thanks for posting it.



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EmilieT
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Glad you also found it interesting @TallTrees @Cleoriff smiling Can you think of other similar gaps that haven't been filled yet in terms of fields of works being more accessible? I'm sure there are many, but stories like this show we're progressing in the right direction!

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TallTrees
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Hi @EmilieT 

 

I thank and appreciate everyone who tries to make people's lives better in any way.  I have had the benefit of eye glasses, contact lens and where would many people be without cataract replacement and the fantastic surgeons and machinery developed for this. 

It seems that it can be a personal difficulty that often focuses upon an improvement. 

I haven't really thought about the development of useful equipment or anything else but will and this could be very interesting. 



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