Welcome to our guide on how to say “afternoon” in British Sign Language (BSL). In this comprehensive guide, we will cover not only the formal and informal ways to express “afternoon” but also provide tips, examples, and even explore any regional variations that exist. Whether you’re a beginner learning BSL or simply looking to expand your vocabulary, this guide has you covered!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Afternoon in BSL
When it comes to formal expressions, it’s essential to understand the appropriate signs to use in different situations. Here are a few formal ways to say “afternoon” in BSL:
1. Good Afternoon
The most common formal greeting for the afternoon in BSL is “Good Afternoon.” To express this, you can follow these simple steps:
Start with both hands open and raised to chest level, palms facing upwards. Then, move your hands outwards and downwards simultaneously, until they come to rest at your sides. This sign symbolizes the transition from morning to afternoon.
2. Afternoon
Another formal way to say “afternoon” is by using the sign specifically for “afternoon.” Here’s how you can sign it:
Begin with both hands open and raised in front of you, palms facing each other. Next, move your hands downwards and outwards, as if you’re mimicking the sun setting in the afternoon.
Informal Ways to Say Afternoon in BSL
When interacting with friends, family, or in casual settings, you might want to use more informal expressions. Here are a few ways to say “afternoon” in BSL informally:
1. Hi Afternoon
A popular informal greeting for the afternoon is “Hi Afternoon.” It’s a relaxed way to acknowledge the time of day. To sign this, follow these steps:
Start with your dominant hand raised and open, palm facing inwards towards your body. Next, move your hand in a circular motion, brushing it across your non-dominant forearm while nodding slightly.
2. Afternoon Time
Another informal way to express “afternoon” in BSL is by using the sign “Afternoon Time.” This sign indicates the transition from the morning to the afternoon period. Here’s how you can sign it:
Raise your dominant hand, keeping it open with palm facing downwards. Move your hand downwards and touch the back of your non-dominant hand, which is held in a flat position. This sign signifies the time of day when the sun is transitioning towards its zenith.
Tips and Examples
Tips for Learning and Using BSL
- Regular practice is crucial for mastering BSL signs. Find opportunities to engage with the Deaf community or join sign language classes to improve your fluency.
- Pay attention to facial expressions and body language while signing. These elements are an integral part of BSL and can affect the meaning and clarity of your communication.
- When practicing signs, break them down into smaller movements and practice each component separately before putting them together.
- Watch videos or tutorials of native BSL users to observe their signing style and gain inspiration.
Examples in Conversational Context
To provide a practical context for the signs we’ve covered, let’s look at a few examples of how “afternoon” can be used in everyday conversations:
Example 1:
Person A: “Good Afternoon!”
Person B: “Good Afternoon to you too!”
Example 2:
Person A: “Hi Afternoon!”
Person B: “Hey there! How’s your day going?”
Regional Variations
BSL, like any other language, can have regional variations that include differences in signs, phrases, or dialects. However, with the phrase “afternoon,” there are no widely recognized regional variations within BSL. The signs and expressions mentioned earlier can be used universally across the BSL community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have explored both the formal and informal ways to say “afternoon” in BSL. Whether you prefer using “Good Afternoon” or more casual greetings like “Hi Afternoon,” make sure to practice the signs and incorporate them into your BSL conversations. Remember to pay attention to facial expressions, body language, and context while signing. Regular practice and engagement with the Deaf community will go a long way in improving your fluency and understanding of British Sign Language.
