How to Say “How Are You” in British Sign Language (BSL)

Greetings are an important part of any language, including sign language. When meeting someone in British Sign Language (BSL), expressing how are you is a common way to start a conversation. In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways of asking “how are you” in BSL, and provide some regional variations, tips, and examples to help you on your journey to communicating in BSL.

Formal Ways to Say “How Are You” in BSL

In formal settings, such as meeting someone for the first time or in a business context, it is appropriate to use a more polite and respectful form of asking “how are you” in BSL. Here are some formal variations you can use:

1. The Standard Formal Greeting: To ask “How are you?” formally, you can sign “HOW YOU?” While signing “HOW,” you bring your right hand up to your chin with the palm facing inward towards your face, then you extend your fingers forward. For “YOU,” you point your right index finger towards the person you’re addressing. Remember to raise your eyebrows slightly to indicate a question.
2. The Refined Formal Greeting: Another formal way to ask “How are you?” is to sign “YOU WELL?” For “YOU,” you use the same sign as above. For “WELL,” you start with both open hands comfortably at chest level and bring them forward towards the person you’re addressing while closing your fingers into a fist. This sign represents well-being.
3. The Respectful Formal Greeting: In some formal situations, it’s appropriate to use a more deferential approach. To ask “How are you?” respectfully, you can sign “YOUR HEALTH OKAY?” For “YOUR,” you point to the person respectfully. For “HEALTH,” you bring both hands up to the sides of your head, touching your temples with your palms facing inward. For “OKAY,” you make a small circle using your right thumb and index finger, touching them to your left palm.

Informal Ways to Say “How Are You” in BSL

In casual or informal settings with friends, family, or familiar acquaintances, you can use a more laid-back and familiar form of asking “how are you” in BSL. Here are some informal variations:

1. The Everyday Informal Greeting: To ask “How are you?” informally, you can sign “YOU OKAY?” This is a simple and commonly used expression. Sign “YOU” as mentioned earlier, and for “OKAY,” you make a thumbs-up gesture with your right hand by closing your other fingers around your thumb and raising it up slightly.
2. The Friendly Informal Greeting: When greeting a close friend or family member, you can sign “How are you?” using the sign for “HOW” (as mentioned earlier) but with a more relaxed facial expression. Add a nod and a smile to show familiarity and friendliness.
3. The Colloquial Informal Greeting: In relaxed and informal situations, some people may use a shorter version and sign just “YOU GOOD?” For “YOU,” use the same sign as before, and for “GOOD,” you make a thumbs-up gesture as mentioned earlier.

Regional Variations in BSL

While BSL is the predominant sign language used across the United Kingdom, there may be some regional variations in how people express “how are you.” These differences are often subtle and may involve variations in handshape, facial expression, or rhythm. Here are a few regional examples:

Scottish Variation:

In Scotland, some signers use a variation where the sign for “YOU” is signed with a C handshape (making a fist with your thumb over your index finger) instead of pointing with the index finger.

Northern Irish Variation:

In Northern Ireland, signers may use a variant of the sign for “HOW” that starts with a J handshape (similar to an American Sign Language “Y” handshape) instead of the standard BSL “H” handshape.

Welsh Variation:

In some parts of Wales, the sign for “HOW” is sometimes made by using an open hand rather than a closed hand as in standard BSL.

Remember that these regional variations are not always present, and they shouldn’t discourage you from learning BSL. These differences reflect the diversity within the language and can add richness to your signing skills.

Tips for Learning and Using BSL “How Are You”

Now that you have an understanding of the formal, informal, and regional variations of asking “how are you” in BSL, here are some tips to enhance your learning experience:

1. Facial Expressions: Facial expressions play a crucial role in BSL, so practice maintaining an appropriate expression for each greeting style to convey the right tone.
2. Rhythm and Flow: Pay attention to the rhythm and flow of each sign. BSL has its own natural cadence, and understanding this will make your signing more fluid.
3. Practice Conversations: Engage in conversations with both native BSL signers and other learners to gain confidence and improve your communication skills.
4. Seek Local Resources: Consider joining local BSL classes, online forums, or social groups to immerse yourself in the language and connect with the signing community.
5. Show Respect: Whether using formal or informal expressions, remember to approach BSL with respect and cultural sensitivity.

Learning how to ask “how are you” in BSL is an excellent first step towards understanding and communicating in this unique and captivating sign language. Keep practicing, embrace the warmth of the signing community, and enjoy your journey of learning BSL!