Saying goodbye is an essential part of any language, including British Sign Language (BSL). Whether you are bidding farewell to a friend, a colleague or a family member, it’s important to understand the various ways to express goodbye in BSL. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say goodbye in BSL, as well as provide tips, examples, and discuss regional variations if necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Goodbye in BSL
When it comes to formal occasions, such as addressing a respected person or a stranger, you can use the following phrases to say goodbye in BSL:
Goodbye: Use this sign by waving your hand in a circular motion, with your palm facing outward. It is a polite and universally recognized way to say goodbye.
Remember to maintain eye contact and smile while using these signs for a warm and respectful farewell.
Informal Ways to Say Goodbye in BSL
In more casual situations, with friends, family, or peers, BSL offers a range of informal ways to say goodbye. Use these signs to express a more relaxed and friendly farewell:
- Bye: Sign ‘bye’ by raising your dominant hand to your temple and waving it forward, keeping your palm facing down. It’s a simple and widely understood sign.
- Take care: Extend your dominant hand outwards, palm down, and wave it gently back and forth. This sign shows concern for the other person’s well-being and is a thoughtful way to say goodbye.
- See you later: Point your index finger upward and make a circular motion. It represents the notion of meeting again in the future and is a common way to say goodbye among friends.
- Until next time: With both hands, form the sign for ‘again’ by touching your thumbs and index fingers together and moving your hands away from each other. This sign conveys the expectation of meeting again soon.
Remember, informal goodbyes afford more flexibility and can be adapted to suit your personal style and relationship with the person you are bidding farewell to.
Tips for Saying Goodbye in BSL
Here are some useful tips to enhance your BSL goodbye skills:
- Maintain eye contact: Looking into the other person’s eyes while saying goodbye shows respect and sincerity. It also allows for better communication through facial expressions and lip-reading.
- Smile: A warm smile can make your goodbye more memorable and can leave a positive impression on the other person.
- Consider the context: Depending on the environment and the relationship you have with the person, choose the appropriate level of formality or informality.
- Practice makes perfect: Regularly practice signing your goodbyes to improve your fluency and confidence. You can use videos or find local groups or classes to practice with others.
Examples of Goodbye in BSL
To further illustrate how to say goodbye in BSL, here are a few examples:
Example 1: A formal goodbye at a professional event
Person A: “It was lovely meeting you. Goodbye!” (using a waving hand motion)
Person B: “Goodbye. Take care!” (using a gentle waving motion)
Example 2: An informal goodbye between friends
Person A: “See you later!” (using a pointed finger circling motion)
Person B: “Take care! Until next time!” (waving hand motion with both ‘take care’ and ‘until next time’ signs)
Remember to adapt your signs and expressions based on the specific situation and your relationship with the other person.
Conclusion
Now armed with the knowledge of formal and informal ways to say goodbye in BSL, you can confidently bid farewell in any situation. By using phrases such as “Goodbye,” “Bye,” “Take care,” or “See you later,” you can ensure your farewells are warm, respectful, and meaningful. Remember to maintain eye contact, smile, and consider the context when choosing the appropriate sign. With practice and fluency, you’ll be able to seamlessly incorporate British Sign Language into your goodbyes, enhancing your overall communication skills.
So go forth and spread your newfound BSL goodbye skills, leaving a positive and lasting impression on those you are parting ways with!
