* No official census tracks BSL usage: Unlike spoken languages, BSL is not typically included in official surveys or census data.
* Varying definitions of "user": Some people may be fluent in BSL, while others may only have a basic understanding.
* Estimates range widely: Different organizations and studies use different methodologies, resulting in varying estimations.
However, some estimates suggest:
* Around 87,000 people in the UK are deaf and use BSL as their first language. This figure is based on a 2011 report by the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID).
* The total number of BSL users, including those who use it as a second language, may be significantly higher.
It's important to remember that these are just estimates, and the actual number could be higher or lower.
It's also worth noting that the number of BSL users is likely increasing, as awareness of sign language and its importance grows.