Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “hi” in British Sign Language (BSL). In this article, we will explore both formal and informal ways of greeting someone in BSL. Although regional variations exist, we will primarily focus on the standard BSL used across the United Kingdom. So, let’s dive in and discover various ways to say “hi” in BSL!
Table of Contents
Formal Greetings
Formal greetings are commonly employed in professional settings, meetings, or when addressing individuals you have just met. Here are some formal ways to say “hi” in BSL:
1. “Hello”
The most commonly used formal greeting in BSL is the sign for “hello.” To convey this greeting properly, follow these steps:
- With your dominant hand, place it near your forehead with your fingers relaxed and together.
- Briefly nod your head forward while keeping your hand stationary.
Remember to maintain eye contact to show respect and attentiveness while greeting someone formally.
2. “Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening”
When greeting someone at a specific time of day, BSL also offers signs for “good morning,” “good afternoon,” and “good evening.” Here’s how to say each of them:
- “Good Morning”: With your dominant hand, make a fist and move it upwards from your chest in a circular motion, opening up your hand with your palm facing forward while extending your arm.
- “Good Afternoon”: Create an “A” shape with your dominant hand near your forehead, then flick it forward and downwards.
- “Good Evening”: Extend your dominant arm forward with your palm facing down, and then bend your wrist upwards while keeping your fingers together.
Using these signs shows politeness and formality when greeting someone depending on the time of day.
Informal Greetings
Informal greetings in BSL are often used among friends, family, and in casual situations. The following are some common ways to say “hi” informally:
1. “Hi”
“Hi” is a universal informal greeting widely understood in various languages. In BSL, the sign for “hi” is simple yet effective:
To sign “hi,” lift your dominant hand with your fingers extended, palm facing inward, and move it slightly upwards in a small arc towards the person you are addressing.
This informal greeting is suitable for most casual situations and conveys a friendly and approachable demeanor.
2. “Hey”
Similar to “hi,” “hey” is another informal way to greet someone in BSL. The sign for “hey” is as follows:
- Bring your dominant hand up to chest level with fingers extended and your palm facing inward.
- Move your hand forward and upwards, flicking your fingers slightly.
“Hey” is an expressive and warm greeting that suits both familiar and casual encounters.
Tips and Examples
Here are some tips and additional examples to enhance your knowledge of BSL greetings:
1. Be Mindful of Signing Space
When signing greetings, ensure you have sufficient signing space, especially for larger movements like “hello” and “good morning.” It’s important to maintain clarity and avoid any accidental physical contact.
2. Facial Expressions
Facial expressions play a crucial role in BSL, especially during greetings. Depending on the context, make sure your facial expressions match the intended greeting, conveying the appropriate emotion and tone.
3. Modify Signs for Emphasis
To emphasize a greeting, you can modify the signs by using stronger movements or repeating them. For example, a more enthusiastic “hi” can involve a larger arc or an additional flick of the wrist.
4. Nodding and Eye Contact
Alongside the signs, nodding your head slightly and maintaining eye contact are essential elements of greeting in BSL. They indicate attentiveness, respect, and engagement.
5. Practice with Native Signers
To improve your skills and fluency in BSL greetings, practice with native signers whenever possible. This firsthand experience will help you grasp subtleties in their signing style and learn from their expertise.
Now that you have learned various ways to say “hi” in BSL, use these greetings confidently to connect with the Deaf community, enhance inclusivity, and foster meaningful interactions.
