Better Communication Together CIC

Makaton and Sign Language - What’s the Difference?

One of the questions I’m asked most often is: “Is Makaton the same as British Sign Language (BSL)?” The short answer is no - but both are powerful, meaningful, and deeply valuable in their own ways.

It’s important to talk about this carefully and respectfully, especially when speaking about the Deaf community and BSL, which have a long and rich history.

 What is Makaton?

Makaton is a communication programme that uses signs, symbols, and speech together. It was originally developed in the 1970s to support people with learning and communication difficulties.

The key idea is that Makaton supports spoken language. Makaton uses signs adapted from British Sign Language (BSL), alongside speech and symbols. Unlike BSL, Makaton follows spoken English word order, with signs used to support the key concepts in what is being said. Signs are standardised across the UK.

Makaton is used widely in:

• Early years education
• Families supporting children with additional needs
• Adults with learning disabilities
• Inclusive settings such as schools, libraries, and community groups

What is British Sign Language (BSL)?

BSL is a complete, natural language with its own grammar, sentence structure, and cultural identity.  Unlike Makaton, BSL does not rely on spoken language - it stands alone. It is not a visual representation of spoken language.

Instead, BSL is an independent language in its own right - the language of the Deaf community in the UK. Like any language, it has regional variations and dialects, so signs may differ depending on where in the UK you are.

For many Deaf people, BSL is their first language. It carries not only communication but also identity, culture, and community.

A Little History

• Records of sign language use in Britain date back to the 16th century, although Deaf people have always needed a way to communicate, and signs have existed as long as there have been civilisations.
• In 1760, Thomas Braidwood founded the first school for Deaf children in Edinburgh, where sign language began to flourish.
• However, it’s important to note that Deaf history is not only about growth but also about struggle. For centuries, Deaf people were often denied the right to use their own language. The 1880 Milan Conference - an international meeting on Deaf education - declared that spoken language should be used instead of sign language. This decision led to the widespread banning of sign language in schools, forcing generations of Deaf children to learn through oral methods alone. Many experienced isolation, punishment, and discrimination simply for using their natural language.
• Despite these barriers, the Deaf community fought tirelessly to keep BSL alive - passing it down within families, clubs, and communities.
• BSL was formally recognised as a language in its own right by the UK Government in 2003. The British Sign Language Act 2022 went further, recognising BSL in law as a language of England, Wales and Scotland. Scotland also has its own British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015.
• The resilience and activism of the Deaf community have ensured that BSL continues to thrive, despite a long history of challenges. Today, BSL remains central to Deaf culture, identity and community - a living language carried forward with resilience, creativity and pride.

To learn more, you can explore:

• British Deaf Association (BDA)
• SignHealth
• Deaf History Scotland

 Key Differences Between Makaton and BSL

• Purpose: Makaton is designed to support spoken English. BSL is a full, independent language.
• Grammar: Makaton follows English word order. BSL has its own grammar and syntax.
• Community: Makaton is widely used with children, people with learning disabilities, and in inclusive settings. BSL belongs to and is led by the Deaf community.
• Symbols: Makaton uses visual symbols alongside signs. BSL does not.
• Use: It’s also important to remember that knowing Makaton does not mean someone knows BSL. Although Makaton uses signs adapted from BSL, it is not a substitute for BSL when communicating with a Deaf person who uses BSL as their language.

 Why Both Matter

It’s not about which is “better.” Both Makaton and BSL are valuable, and both create bridges to understanding and connection.

For someone with learning or communication difficulties, Makaton may give them more ways to understand, express themselves and be understood. For a Deaf person, BSL may be their first language and an important part of their identity, culture and community.

Both deserve respect, celebration, and support.

 Closing Thought

Makaton can give people another way to understand, express themselves and connect with others, using signs, symbols and speech together. BSL is a complete, natural language at the heart of Deaf culture and community. 

The more we understand both, the more inclusive and respectful our society becomes.