Learning British Sign Language (BSL) can be an incredibly rewarding experience. If you’re looking to express the phrase “I am learning BSL” in BSL, this guide will provide you with both formal and informal ways to do so. We’ll also explore some tips and examples to help you communicate effectively. Whether you’re a beginner or someone with some prior knowledge of BSL, this guide is here to assist you on your journey.
Table of Contents
Formal Phrases:
In formal settings or with individuals you are not familiar with, it is important to be polite and clear when expressing yourself in BSL. Here are a couple of ways to convey the phrase “I am learning BSL” formally:
- “I am currently learning BSL.”
To sign this in BSL, you can use the following steps:
1. Begin by signing “I” by forming an open hand shape with your dominant hand and placing it on your chest.
2. Next, sign “am” by extending your index finger and placing it on your chin, then moving it forward slightly.
3. Finally, sign “currently learning BSL” by combining the sign for “currently” (both hands in a relaxed fist shape, with thumbs up and fingers tapping the back of your non-dominant hand) with the sign for “learning BSL” (both hands in a relaxed fist shape with index fingers pointing down and shaking them gently back and forth).Remember to maintain a calm and confident facial expression throughout the signing.
- “I am in the process of learning BSL.”
This phrase can be signed in BSL as follows:
1. Sign “I” by forming an open hand shape and placing it on your chest.
2. For “am,” extend your index finger and place it on your chin, then move it forward slightly.
3. Sign “in the process of” by using both hands in a relaxed fist shape with palms facing down and moving them in a circular motion, one hand above the other.
4. Finally, sign “learning BSL” by making two relaxed fists with index fingers pointing down and gently shaking them back and forth.It is essential to remember to maintain a clear and focused expression while signing.
Informal Phrases:
When you are in a more casual or relaxed setting, such as among friends or peers, you can express the phrase “I am learning BSL” in a slightly different manner. Here are two informal ways to sign the phrase:
- “I’m learning BSL.”
to sign this phrase informally, follow these steps:
1. Begin by signing “I’m” using the sign for “I” (an open hand on the chest) followed by the sign for “learn” (the dominant index finger touching the non-dominant palm and then moving upward).
2. Complete the phrase by signing “BSL,” for which you can use the sign “British Sign Language” (both hands in a relaxed fist shape with index and middle fingers pointing down, then moving the hands apart in a small arc).Remember to maintain a relaxed and friendly facial expression while signing.
- “I’m currently learning BSL.”
Here’s how to sign this phrase casually in BSL:
1. Sign “I’m” using the sign for “I” (an open hand shape on the chest) followed by the sign for “currently” (both hands in a relaxed fist shape with thumbs up and fingers tapping the back of the non-dominant hand).
2. Sign “learning BSL” by using the sign for “learn” (dominant index finger touching the non-dominant palm, moving upward) and then the sign “BSL” (both hands in a relaxed fist shape with index and middle fingers pointing down, moving the hands apart in a small arc).Just like in other informal phrases, ensure you maintain a friendly and approachable facial expression.
Tips and Examples:
Mastering BSL can take time and practice, so here are some helpful tips and examples to assist you along the way:
Tips:
- Practice regularly: Set aside dedicated time each day to practice your BSL skills.
- Join a community: Find local BSL classes or join online forums where you can interact with others learning BSL.
- Watch BSL videos: Access online resources or watch videos that demonstrate BSL conversations to enhance your learning.
- Attend BSL events: Engage in BSL events, such as workshops or community gatherings, to immerse yourself in the language.
Examples:
Now, let’s see a few examples of how you can use the phrases we’ve learned:
Example 1:
You meet someone at a BSL event, and they ask if you are proficient in BSL. You can respond formally by saying, “I am currently learning BSL.” You sign it by placing an open hand on your chest for “I,” extending your index finger to your chin for “am,” and performing the sign for “currently learning BSL.”
Example 2:
You’re having a casual conversation with a friend who knows you’re learning BSL. You mention your progress and say, “I’m learning BSL.” You sign it by signing “I” on your chest, followed by the sign for “learn,” and finally the sign for “BSL.”
Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you immerse yourself in BSL and engage with the deaf community, the more your skills will develop. Be patient, ask for feedback, and enjoy the journey of learning BSL!
