Greetings! If you’re interested in learning how to say “how” in British Sign Language (BSL), you’re in the right place. “How” is a versatile word used to ask about a variety of things, from well-being to methods and means. In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways to express “how” in BSL, providing tips, examples, and even regional variations if necessary. So, let’s dive in and expand your BSL vocabulary!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “How”
When you wish to ask someone formally how something is or how it works, you can use a few different signs in BSL. Here are some examples:
1. How are you?
The question “How are you?” is frequently asked to enquire about someone’s well-being. In BSL, there are a couple of variations to express this. The most common way is to sign “how” and then point to yourself to refer to the person you’re addressing, followed by the sign for “you” (palm facing upward, index finger pointing outward). It can be used in both formal and informal situations.
2. How does this work?
If you want to inquire about the process or functionality of something, you can sign “how” followed by a sign representing the object or concept you are referring to, and then sign “work.” Remember to maintain a questioning facial expression to emphasize that you are asking a question. This form is more commonly used in formal settings when trying to understand the mechanics behind something.
2. Informal Ways to Say “How”
Informal ways of expressing “how” in BSL are commonly used in casual conversations. Here are a couple of examples:
1. How’s it going?
This friendly expression is frequently used to ask about someone’s general well-being or how their day has been. In BSL, you can simply sign “how,” followed by signing “going” using a palm-downward flat hand moving forward slightly. Maintain a warm and welcoming facial expression to convey the informal nature of this question.
2. How do you like it?
When you are referring to something specific and want to ask someone for their opinion, you can sign “how,” then point to the object or topic you’re discussing, followed by the sign for “like” (palm facing inward, thumb up, fingers wiggling slightly). This form is commonly used in casual conversations to inquire about preferences or opinions.
3. Regional Variations
While BSL is primarily used throughout the United Kingdom, there may be slight regional variations in signs. However, the signs for “how” mentioned above are generally understood and used across all regions. If you encounter different signs for “how” in specific areas, it is always advisable to adapt and learn from the local Deaf community to ensure effective communication.
4. Tips and Tricks
Learning BSL requires practice and familiarity with Deaf culture. Here are a few tips to help you along the way:
- Facial Expressions: Facial expressions encompass a significant part of sign language. Remember to pair appropriate facial expressions with your signs to convey emotions and meanings accurately.
- Practice Time: Dedicate regular time to practice signing, even if it’s just a few minutes each day. Consistent practice will help improve your signing speed and fluency.
- Interact with the Deaf Community: Reach out to local Deaf organizations or attend BSL events to interact with native BSL users. Engaging with the Deaf community will not only improve your signing skills but also enhance your understanding of BSL as a visual language.
- Online Resources: Take advantage of various online BSL resources such as video tutorials, dictionaries, and forums. These resources can provide additional guidance on mastering different signs, phrases, and grammatical structures.
Remember, learning any new language takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your progress, and enjoy the journey of learning BSL!
We hope this guide has been helpful in learning how to say “how” in BSL. Whether you’re asking about well-being, functionality, or seeking opinions, you now have a foundation to express yourself. Keep exploring, practicing, and embracing the beauty of British Sign Language!
