A 12-year-old girl from Ipswich has mastered sign language in just a few days after being inspired to combine a beautiful language with her love of music.

While for many, learning a new language is something that takes a patient teacher, countless lessons and hours of work, Leila Gascoigne has picked up British Sign Language (BSL) in just a weekend.

Then Ipswich schoolgirl began teaching herself BSL from videos online on Saturday, starting with the alphabet.

“On the Sunday, she had learned a song. She rang me and asked me to give her another song, so I did,” said Leila’s proud mum, Jade Prentice.

“Then she rang again, and said, ‘Mum, I’ve learned how to do your song in sign language!”

“My inspiration was seeing videos online of people signing to songs, and I in general love music,” explained Leila.

“So, being able to incorporate sign language, which is such a beautiful language, with something that I love, it's just such a nice feeling. Sign language is such an extraordinary thing, and I think it should definitely be way more popular worldwide.”

Leila has been busy learning how to sign along to popular songs online. Leila has been busy learning how to sign along to popular songs online. (Image: Jade Prentice)

The first song which Leila learned was Hostage by Billie Eilish, while her mother’s choice was Unsteady by the X Ambassadors. Since then, she has learned Eulogy by Zach Bryan, bringing her total to three. 

Interestingly, Jade said her daughter does not know anyone deaf who she can practice her sign language with; she simply decided to study the language for the love of learning.

“She’s very much like a sponge – she takes everything in. She’s always been like that,” said Jade.

In the future, she said her daughter may use her new skills to communicate with children who are non-verbal.

“She’s got the biggest heart,” said Jade. “I’m very proud of her – I always have been.”

Leila has just started Year Eight. Leila has just started Year Eight. (Image: Jade Prentice)