Greetings are an important part of human communication, and sign language offers a beautiful and expressive way to say hello. British Sign Language (BSL) is widely used in the United Kingdom and carries its own unique variations and accents. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say hello in BSL, providing you with tips, examples, and regional variations.
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Formal Ways to Say Hello in BSL
When you want to greet someone formally in BSL, there are a few common signs you can use. Remember, signs in BSL are expressed through hand gestures, facial expressions, and body language. Here are some formal ways to say hello:
- Hello (standard greeting): To greet someone with a formal hello, start by raising your right hand with fingers together, palm facing forward. Then, move your hand slightly forward and back from the wrist. This gentle wave of the hand signifies a friendly and respectful hello.
- Good morning/Good afternoon/Good evening: To greet someone at different times of the day, you can use the sign for hello combined with the relevant time-related sign. For example, to say good morning, add the sign for morning after saying hello. Similarly, use afternoon or evening for different times of the day.
- How do you do? This is a formal way of asking someone how they are when you first meet them. To convey this greeting, extend your right hand slightly forward and upward, palm facing inward, and nod your head slightly to show respect.
Informal Ways to Say Hello in BSL
Informal greetings in BSL allow for more personal expression and can vary based on the relationship and familiarity between individuals. Here are some examples of informal ways to say hello:
- Hey/Hi: These informal greetings in BSL are similar to spoken language gestures. To say hey or hi, simply raise your hand, palm facing inward, with fingers slightly apart, and give a small friendly wave.
- What’s up? An informal way to ask someone what they are doing or how they are feeling is to sign “what’s up.” Hold your open hand in front of you, palm facing up, and tap your middle finger with the thumb twice in quick succession.
- Long time no see: This phrase is used to express joy in reconnecting with someone after a long period without contact. Sign long by extending both hands outward, palms facing down, and separate them, indicating a long distance between you. Then sign time by tapping your wrist with your index finger. Finally, bring your hands together again, symbolizing seeing someone again.
Regional Variations
While BSL is used throughout the United Kingdom, there can be regional variations in certain signs, facial expressions, or gestures. Here are a few regional variations in saying hello:
- Scotland: In some areas of Scotland, a common variation of hello involves extending both arms straight ahead, fingers spread wide, and crossing them over each other in front of your body. This gesture signifies a warm welcome.
- Wales: In Wales, some people accompany the sign for hello with a slight nod and a smile to express politeness and friendliness.
- Northern Ireland: In Northern Ireland, it is common to extend both arms in front of you, palms facing downwards, and shake them gently to represent a warm handshake gesture.
TIP: When learning sign language, it’s important to practice with others who are familiar with the specific regional variation you want to learn. They can provide valuable feedback and help you refine your skills.
Becoming proficient in BSL takes practice and patience. Remember to maintain eye contact, use facial expressions to convey emotions, and be respectful of the culture. The more you immerse yourself in the language, the better you will become.
Now that you have learned various formal and informal ways to say hello in BSL, practice with friends, or join sign language classes to further develop your skills. Sign language offers a unique way to connect with others and foster inclusivity.
Happy signing!
