Rebecca A Withey: An interview with Lingvano, an online international sign language school! (BSL)

Hi! So firstly can you introduce yourself to our readers. Who are you, what is your role and what is Lingvano?

I am Rafaela – my role within Lingvano is Head of Content Management. Together with my amazing Content Team, we develop, plan, organize and create new learning content for the Lingvano App in ASL (American Sign Language) and BSL (British Sign Language).

We also ensure that the in-app learning content is always up to date and connect with our users through our support channels.

Additionally I manage and organize Deaf freelancers who come to Vienna to film new video content that you see in our app. I’m especially proud and happy to provide our users with a range of diverse Deaf teachers who represent the beautiful variety within one and of different Sign Languages.

As an Educational Scientist and Sign Language expert, I’m happy to answer any questions my in-house colleagues have about learning tactics and Sign Language.

What was the inspiration behind setting up Lingvano? What is your connection to sign languages?

I started signing during my Bachelor studies, which was Educational Science & Inclusive Education. Ever since, I fell in love with the beauty of these visual languages and became part of the signing community as a hearing person. I currently know 3 Sign Languages (Austrian, American, and British) and International Sign as well.

I work with my team at Lingvano to fulfill our mission of making the world a more accessible place and bridging the communication gap between the Deaf and hearing communities.

I want to extend a special thanks to every Deaf person that I’ve met so far. I am truly honored to have gotten invited into the signing Deaf world and having been allowed to experience the unique Deaf culture.

Who is the team behind Lingvano? What sort of varied roles are there?

There are several!

Our Content Team develops and creates new in-app learning content and records, edits and produces learning videos. It also answers and manages user support tickets and deals with publicity and community work – such as participation in Deaf and Sign Language expert panel discussions.

Our Development Team programs and maintains current and new App system whilst developing and testing new App features, working on visual design and gamification answers.

Our Business Development team develops, monitors and tests business strategies as well as managing user growth and managing finances.

Our Marketing and Social Media Team plans, monitors and runs digital ads and comes up with new advertisement ideas. It also manages various social media platforms and browsers and communicates with and manages influencers and content creators we work with.

Our Graphic Design team creates engaging designs for in app and social media content. Finally our
Housekeeping team takes care of plants and the office facility, including our garden and makes everyone happy by spreading daily joy!

You may also meet our online mascot called Mano!

How does Lingvano work? What do people get access to in order to learn sign language?

All people have to do is download Lingvano from the App Store or Google Play, pick the Sign Language they want to learn (ASL, BSL, ÖGS), and that’s it! It only takes 5-10 minutes a day to start learning. Our lessons are specially designed for practical everyday use, so the moment you start learning, you’ll be able to start signing out in the world.

Which sign languages do you offer and why those particular ones?

1. Austrian Sign Language – This was our first one since we’re based in Vienna, Austria.
2. American Sign Language – American Sign Language is one of the most used Sign Language. It’s used mainly in the US and Canada but can also be seen being used in many other parts of the world.
3. British Sign Language – This was a lucky coincidence. Rafaela met a BSL native while she was visiting a Deaf school in London and everything just fell into place.

Do you work with any deaf sign language consultants to develop this?

We have in-house Deaf experts who are involved in in-app and social media content creation. Only Deaf signers are filmed for learning content across all of our platforms. Deaf experts are involved in the final quality control before any content gets published.

What is your ultimate aim with Lingvano – what would you like to achieve?

Lingvano’s mission is to break down language barriers and build bridges between Deaf and hearing people. The way we do that is by creating easy-to-use Sign Language courses for real-life situations.

What sort of response have you had from BSL users or those wishing to learn BSL from this app?

Our BSL users have responded very positively and emotionally as well. Some users share their deepest stories of how learning BSL changed their life (having a way to communicate with Deaf or non-vocal kids, friends or relatives.)

It has been said to support learning as a family and thus, create a sign environment for their Deaf children,

“Hello, I am the mother of a moderately deaf 5year old girl. She has been wearing hearing aids for 2 years but her speech is still very delayed. We have started learning sign language to support her communication.

Congratulations on your wonderul app Lingvano, I have tried many apps and online courses and this one is by far the best. You present all the key information in a very logical and natural way.

With your help I have progressed rapidly in my understanding of BSL and can now show basic conversation signs to my daughter, she is picking it up very quickly. Her special assistant teacher at school is also using the app to learn BSL and I am recommending it to everyone who has interactions with my daughter. Thank you so much!“

It is also evident that not only Deaf people use BSL;

“My hearing grandson was born during lockdown. He was exposed to Sing and
Sign to encourage interactions with other children. His mother and I have tried to develop the signing as a second language. He is able to sign short sentences and is now teaching some signs to his teachers and peers in nursery. On a day out recently a man and his autistic teenager noticed the signing and came across to chat. However, learning to sign is hard work. He is now nearly 2 and a half. This is the reason we have both signed up to your course.“

It is also never to late to start learning BSL;

“My story is a simple one that plagues many people. As we age our bodies make
changes; one of these changes is hearing loss. I don’t want to lose my family contact because I can’t communicate with them. Learning sign will prevent that. I learn and then teach the family enough so we can communicate with each other. Remaining connected in our lives. Sharing the love.“

Whats next for Lingvano?

There’s always a lot going on at Lingvano. We are currently updating our in-app content and working with several native signers on this project. BSL will be getting new modules very soon!

Our developers are gearing up for a huge visual makeover for our app and website. The update will make the app more user friendly, modern, and interactive. Our whole team is quite excited for the new look and feel of Lingvano.

Aside from that, we continue to spread the word about Deaf culture, Deaf awareness, and Sign Language learning. We never fail to come back to our mission of bridging communication gaps.

You can find out more about Lingvano here. 

Article main image: Pictured is Rafaela, Head of Content Management at Lingvano, and Johanna, Senior Learning and Didactics Manager at Lingvano. Photographer: Genie Patrathiranond, Head of Social Media at Lingvano