Skip to the content
signs@HWUsigns@HWU
SIGNS@HWU is a group of researchers who focus on sign language studies and Deaf Studies. We are situated in the Department of Languages and Intercultural Studies, Heriot-Watt University. SIGNS@HWU was established as a cluster of the Centre for Translation and Interpreting Studies in Scotland, to profile the world-leading interdisciplinary research being conducted at Heriot-Watt University.
  • Excellence
  • People
  • Projects
  • Dissertations
Deaf BSL users’ preferences for watching television (2022-2023)
  • Relevance: Completed
  • signing on TV
    sign language technologies
  •  

This project is commissioned by BSL Broadcasting Trust. It explores deaf BSL users’ experiences of watching television throughout the UK, and particularly their experiences of watching BSL Zone content produced by BSLBT. Our research questions are:

  • What do deaf people mainly watch? Do they watch broadcast, online or streamed content?
  • Do deaf people know about BSL Zone and if so, how do they watch it, and what do they watch on BSL Zone?
  • What kinds of programmes would deaf people like to watch on BSL Zone?

A combination of research methods will be used:

  • Diaries: Participants will be given a specific timeframe of 1-week and asked to document (written or signed) what they watched, why they chose to watch it, who they watched it with, etc.
  • Interviews: with individuals or with pairs/households/friends who watch TV together. People will be asked how they make decisions on what to watch and how friends and family members influence what people watch (eg. because of watching together or because of receiving tips)?
  • Focus groups: to explore what factors leading people to watch BSL Zone or not watch it, and what deaf people want to see on TV in the future.

 

 

SIGNS@HWU people on this project:

Prof. Jemina Napier
Dr. Robert Adam
Prof. Annelies Kusters
Leah Francisco
Albert Thomson
Maresia Liburd-Spencer
Leona Glennie
Lorna Allsop

Project partners and funders:

Contact us

© 2025 signs@HWU
HWU logo
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. You can adjust the settings if you wish. Read our cookie policyCookie settingsConfirm
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent.
Necessary
Always Enabled
This category only includes cookies that are absolutely essential for this website to function properly. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT