A Comprehensive Guide to British Sign Language (BSL) Vocabulary: Let's Sign!

British Sign Language (BSL),a vibrant and expressive language, serves as the primary mode of communication for the Deaf community in the United Kingdom. With its unique grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, BSL offers a rich and nuanced means of expression. This comprehensive guide will delve into the heart of BSL vocabulary, empowering you to navigate everyday communication with confidence.

OUR SCHOOL SIGNS: British Sign Language (BSL) Vocabulary (Let's Sign)

by Cath Smith

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5163 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	119 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	342 pages
Item Weight	:	2.16 pounds
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.78 x 11 inches

FREE

The Alphabet

The BSL alphabet provides the foundation for written communication. Each letter corresponds to a distinct handshape and movement. Practice these regularly to master the basics of BSL:

• A: Thumb extended, other fingers curled
• B: Thumb and index finger extended, other fingers curled
• C: Thumb and index finger form a hook, other fingers curled
• D: Palm facing forward, fingers wiggled
• E: Palm facing forward, fingers extended
• F: Fist with thumb extended and slightly wiggled
• G: Thumb and index finger crossed, other fingers curled
• H: Fist with thumb extended
• I: Index finger extended
• J: Index finger and thumb extended, forming a hook
• K: Thumb extended, other fingers curled, palm facing body
• L: Thumb and index finger extended, forming an "L" shape
• M: Both hands forming an "M" shape
• N: Index finger extended, other fingers curled, palm facing body
• O: Both hands forming an "O" shape
• P: Thumb and index finger forming a hook, other fingers curled
• Q: Index finger extended, other fingers curled, palm facing body, thumb touching cheek
• R: Both hands forming an "R" shape
• S: Fist with thumb extended and wiggled
• T: Thumb extended, other fingers curled, palm facing body, thumb extended
• U: Both hands forming a "U" shape
• V: Both hands forming a "V" shape
• W: Both hands forming a "W" shape
• X: Both hands forming an "X" shape
• Y: Both hands forming a "Y" shape
• Z: Index finger and thumb extended, other fingers curled, palm facing body, thumb extended upwards

Numbers

Counting becomes effortless with BSL numbers. From one to ten, each number has its unique sign:

• 1: Index finger extended
• 2: Two fingers extended
• 3: Three fingers extended
• 4: Four fingers extended
• 5: Five fingers extended
• 6: Fist with thumb extended
• 7: Two fingers extended, palm facing forward
• 8: Three fingers extended, palm facing forward
• 9: Four fingers extended, palm facing forward
• 10: Both hands forming an "X" shape

Colors

Express your creativity with the vibrant hues of BSL colors:

• Red: Thumb and index finger extended, other fingers curled, palm facing body, thumb touching nose
• Blue: Thumb and index finger extended, other fingers curled, palm facing forward, thumb touching chin
• Green: Thumb and index finger extended, other fingers curled, palm facing body, thumb touching chest
• Yellow: Thumb and index finger extended, other fingers curled, palm facing body, thumb touching forehead
• Black: Both hands forming an "X" shape, placed in front of the chest
• White: Both hands forming an "O" shape, palms facing each other
• Brown: Thumb and index finger extended, other fingers curled, palm facing body, thumb touching shoulder
• Pink: Thumb and index finger extended, other fingers curled, palm facing body, thumb touching cheek
• Purple: Thumb and index finger extended, other fingers curled, palm facing body, thumb touching ear
• Orange: Thumb and index finger extended, other fingers curled, palm facing body, thumb touching mouth

Time

Time flies when you're signing! Here are some essential BSL signs for expressing time:

• Now: Both hands forming an "O" shape, placed in front of the chest
• Yesterday: Thumb and index finger extended, other fingers curled, palm facing body, thumb touching shoulder, moved backwards
• Tomorrow: Thumb and index finger extended, other fingers curled, palm facing body, thumb touching shoulder, moved forwards
• Morning: Thumb and index finger extended, other fingers curled, palm facing body, thumb touching forehead, moved upwards
• Afternoon: Thumb and index finger extended, other fingers curled, palm facing body, thumb touching forehead, moved downwards
• Evening: Thumb and index finger extended, other fingers curled, palm facing body, thumb touching forehead, moved side to side
• Night: Thumb and index finger extended, other fingers curled, palm facing body, thumb touching forehead, moved downwards and to the side

Everyday Vocabulary

Let's delve into the heart of everyday BSL vocabulary:

• Hello: Both hands forming an "O" shape, placed in front of the chest, moved outwards
• Goodbye: Both hands forming an "X" shape, placed in front of the chest, moved outwards
• Thank you: Both hands forming an "O" shape, placed in front of the chest, moved towards the body
• Please: Both hands forming an "O" shape, placed in front of the chest, moved upwards
• Sorry: Thumb and index finger extended, other fingers curled, palm facing body, thumb touching forehead, moved downwards
• I love you: Thumb and index finger extended, other fingers curled, palm facing body, thumb touching chest, moved towards the body
• Friend: Thumb and index finger extended, other fingers curled, palm facing body, thumbs crossed, moved side to side
• Family: Both hands forming an "O" shape, placed in front of the chest, moved towards the body, then outwards
• Home: Thumb and index finger extended, other fingers curled, palm facing body, thumbs touching, moved upwards
• Work: Thumb and index finger extended, other fingers curled, palm facing body, thumbs touching, moved downwards

This guide provides a glimpse into the rich and expressive world of BSL vocabulary. Remember, practice makes perfect. Engage with the Deaf community, attend BSL classes, and immerse yourself in the language. The rewards of BSL fluency are boundless: deeper connections, enhanced communication, and a newfound appreciation for the beauty of sign language.

OUR SCHOOL SIGNS: British Sign Language (BSL) Vocabulary (Let's Sign)

by Cath Smith

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5163 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	119 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	342 pages
Item Weight	:	2.16 pounds
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.78 x 11 inches

FREE