Understand different regional variations and most colloquialisms, and identify the style and register of language used

Grasp the importance of regional variations in British Sign Language (BSL), accepting that different areas of the UK use specific signs.
Familiarise with the most commonly known regional signs, always being ready to learn new ones as BSL is a constantly evolving language.
Observe how certain words or phrases in spoken English have different signs in different regions, much like dialects or accents in spoken languages.
Be patient and respectful to signers using unfamiliar regional signs. If uncertain, clarify with the ASK sign.

Identify colloquialisms, which are informal and often regional expressions used in everyday conversation in BSL.
Learn and use colloquial signs accurately, ensuring appropriate context and audience.
Acknowledge that many colloquialisms stem from the Deaf community’s culture and experiences, enhancing the richness of BSL.
Incorporate colloquialism into your signing repertoire, but don’t forget to use standard BSL signs as well to ensure clear communication.

Understand the concept of style and register, which refers to the formality or informality of language as appropriate to the situation, audience, and purpose.
Comprehend how context influences the register of language, adapting your signing style based on who you’re communicating with and the circumstance.
Use formal register for professional environments or academic discussions, and informal register for casual conversations.
Learn to switch between registers fluently, just as a proficient speaker of a spoken language would. This involves using different vocabulary, syntax, and non-verbal cues.