Guide: How to Say “I Love You” in British Sign Language (BSL)

In British Sign Language (BSL), expressing love through signs can be a beautiful way to connect and communicate with others. Whether you want to convey your affection to a family member, friend, or partner, learning how to say “I love you” in BSL can help you share your feelings in a meaningful way. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to express love in BSL, providing tips, examples, and even regional variations where applicable.

Formal Expressions of Love in BSL

When it comes to formal expressions of love, BSL offers a variety of signs that allow you to demonstrate a deep level of affection and respect. Here are a few formal ways to say “I love you” in BSL:

1. Gesture Combination: Start by pointing to your own chest with an open hand, then make a gesture by crossing your arms over your heart. This combination signifies “I” and “heart” respectively. Finally, extend both hands forward, palms up, to indicate “love.” This gesture combination is a powerful and formal way to express love in BSL.
2. Sign for “Love”: The sign for “love” in BSL involves crossing both arms over your chest in an X shape, with your fists loosely clenched. This sign is commonly used in formal contexts and conveys a deep sense of love and sincerity.
3. Sign for “Adore”: To convey an even stronger form of love, use the sign for “adore.” Place both open hands together, then bring them up to touch your chest. This sign is often used to express profound love and admiration for someone.

Informal Expressions of Love in BSL

Informal expressions of love in BSL are often used among friends, close family members, or romantic partners. These signs go beyond formalities and convey a sense of warmth, familiarity, and affection. Here are a few examples of informal signs for saying “I love you” in BSL:

1. Hug Gesture: Bring both arms in front of you, crossing them over your chest, and gently squeeze yourself as if giving yourself a hug. This gesture is commonly used among close friends or family members and signifies a strong bond and affection.
2. Sign for “Like”: To convey an informal expression of love, use the sign for “like.” Signal thumbs up with one hand, palm facing inward, and place it near your chest, moving it in a small circular motion. This sign conveys a friendly and affectionate way of saying “I love you.”
3. Blow Kiss: An informal and playful way to say “I love you” in BSL is by blowing a kiss. Pucker your lips and gently blow the kiss towards the person you want to express your love to. This sign is commonly used between romantic partners or close friends.

Tips for Using BSL to Express Love

Here are some additional tips to enhance your use of BSL when expressing love:

Learn Facial Expressions: Facial expressions are an integral part of BSL and can greatly impact the meaning and emotion behind your signs. Practice conveying warmth, affection, and love through your facial expressions to enhance the overall message.

Remember to match your signs with appropriate facial expressions to ensure your message is received as intended.

Practice Fluent Hand Movements: Develop smooth and fluid hand movements while signing. Clear, well-executed signs will help convey your love accurately and effectively.

Take time to practice not only the signs themselves but also the smooth transition between each sign to create a natural flow.

Consider Context: Adapt your signing style and choice of signs based on the context and relationship with the person you’re expressing love to. Formal expressions might be more suitable with colleagues or respected individuals, while informal signs are great for friends or close family.

By considering the context, you can ensure your message is better tailored to the specific relationship.

Regional Variations

While BSL is predominantly used throughout the United Kingdom, it’s worth noting that various regional variations exist. However, in the case of sign language for expressing love, regional variations are minimal. BSL is recognized and understood across the country, and the signs mentioned above are widely used regardless of the specific regional dialect.

Remember, the intention behind expressing love in sign language is what truly matters, and your effort to communicate affection will be appreciated regardless of any regional differences.

Now armed with these formal and informal ways to say “I love you” in BSL, you can confidently express your affection to your loved ones. Remember to practice, incorporate expressive facial movements, consider the context, and most importantly, let your love shine through your signs.