Learning to communicate effectively is a wonderful way to connect with others, and knowing how to ask someone how they are doing is an essential part of any language. In British Sign Language (BSL), the question “how are you?” can be expressed in different ways depending on the situation, level of formality, and even regional variations. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to ask “how are you?” in BSL, providing you with tips, examples, and cultural insights.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When addressing someone formally in BSL, for example in a professional setting or when meeting someone for the first time, it’s important to be respectful and use appropriate language. Here are a few ways to ask “how are you?” formally:
1. How are you?
Simply asking “how are you?” is a common and polite way to inquire about someone’s well-being. To sign this in BSL, you can:
- Extend your right hand forward, palm facing up, and raise your eyebrows slightly for a question.
- With your non-dominant hand, tap your chest lightly as a pronoun for “you”.
- Using your dominant hand, make a circular motion on your palm with your fingertips to represent the sign for “how”.
Remember to maintain eye contact and show genuine interest with your facial expressions. 2. How do you do?
Another formal way to ask “how are you?” is to use the expression “how do you do?”. However, BSL does not directly translate this phrase, as it is more of a formal greeting rather than a genuine question. Instead, you can use the appropriate greetings in BSL, such as “nice to meet you” or “good morning”, followed by the sign for “how are you?” to show your interest in their well-being.
TIP: When using formal expressions, it is important to remember cultural differences and adapt your signing to match the situation. Pay attention to the response you receive and adjust accordingly, ensuring your replies are also appropriate for the level of formality.
Informal Expressions
Informal expressions are used among friends, family, and in casual social settings. They allow for a more relaxed and closer interaction. Here are a few ways to ask “how are you?” informally in BSL:
1. What’s up?
In informal situations, a common way to ask “how are you?” is to use the phrase “what’s up?”. To sign this in BSL:
- Raise your right hand to shoulder height with your palm facing inward, fingers together.
- Give a slight forward nod of your head as you move your hand upward a little, then return to the original position.
Keep in mind that the speed and intensity of this sign may vary depending on the region and the individual’s signing style. 2. How are you doing?
If you want a more detailed response or want to express a greater level of concern, you can use the question “how are you doing?” in an informal context. To sign this in BSL, you can use the sign for “how” described previously, followed by the sign for “do”:
- With your dominant hand, make a fist with your thumb resting on your chin, then rotate it forward slightly.
Lastly, end the sign with the sign for “you” using the non-dominant hand tapping the chest lightly.
Regional Variations
BSL is rich with regional variations, and different areas may have their own unique signs for “how are you?”. These variations can add depth and diversity to signing, but it’s important to be aware that not all signs are universally understood. As such, it is advisable to learn and use more widely recognized signs to ensure effective communication across regions. However, if you are immersed in a specific region where a particular sign is commonly used, you can adapt and utilize the local variation to blend in and better connect with the signing community.
TIP: Being open to regional variations and actively engaging with the signing community are great ways to expand your signing vocabulary and cultural understanding.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned the different ways to ask “how are you?” in BSL, you can start engaging in meaningful conversations and deepen your connection with others in the signing community. Remember to adjust your level of formality based on the context, use appropriate expressions, and be aware of any regional variations you may encounter. Sign language is not only a method of communication but also a way to bridge cultural gaps, so embrace your learning journey with enthusiasm and an open mind!
