Learning how to greet someone in their own language or using sign language can be a wonderful way to show respect and inclusivity. British Sign Language (BSL) is no exception. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to say “morning” in BSL, including both formal and informal ways to greet someone. While there may be regional variations in some signs, we will primarily focus on the widely accepted signs. So, let’s dive in and discover the various ways to say “morning” in BSL!
Table of Contents
Formal ways to say “morning” in BSL
Formal greetings are commonly used in professional settings or when addressing someone you may not be familiar with. Here are some formal ways to say “morning” in BSL:
- Good morning: To sign “good morning” in BSL, raise your right hand, palm facing inward, up to shoulder level. Then, touch your fingertips to your left shoulder, and smoothly bring your hand down towards your waist.
- Morning: For a more general greeting, sign “morning” by touching your right hand’s fingertips to your left shoulder and then bring your hand down towards your waist. This sign is less formal than “good morning” but still appropriate in most situations.
Tip: When signing “morning” in BSL, make sure to maintain a calm and friendly facial expression. This will help convey warmth and approachability in your greeting.
Informal ways to say “morning” in BSL
Informal greetings are often used among friends, family, or peers. They reflect a more relaxed and casual atmosphere. Here are some informal ways to greet someone in the morning using BSL:
- Hi, morning: Sign “hi” by raising your right hand, palm facing inward, up to eye level with a slight wave. Then, use the sign for “morning” by touching your right hand’s fingertips to your left shoulder and bringing it down towards your waist.
- Morning, how’s it going?: Start with the sign for “morning” as described above. Then, extend your right hand towards the person you are greeting, palm facing upward, in a sweeping motion, as if asking, “how’s it going?”
- Hey, good morning!: Begin with the sign for “hey” by raising your right hand, palm facing inward, up to eye level with a slight wave. Then, transition to the sign for “good morning” by touching your fingertips to your left shoulder and smoothly bringing your hand down towards your waist.
Regional variations in BSL
While BSL is a standardized sign language, like any language, there can be slight regional variations in signs. In this guide, we focus on common gestures used across the UK. However, it’s essential to note that some signs may differ slightly depending on the region or local dialect. If you come across regional variations, embrace the opportunity to learn and adapt to the local signing customs.
Practice examples
Now, let’s explore some examples of greetings in the morning using BSL:
- Formal: A colleague enters the office, and you say, “Good morning, how are you today?” by signing “good morning” and extending your right hand towards them in a sweeping motion.
- Informal: You visit a friend’s house, and as you walk in, you sign “hi, morning” with a wave and the sign for “morning.”
- Informal: You meet a group of friends outside, and you greet them by signing “hey, good morning!” with a wave and the sign for “good morning.”
Tips: In both formal and informal settings, remember to maintain eye contact while signing. This shows respect and engagement. Additionally, take your time when signing to ensure clarity and avoid rushing through the gestures.
Remember, learning BSL is a continuous process, and practice makes perfect. As you become more proficient in signing “morning” and other essential phrases, your fluency will grow. So keep practicing, and soon enough, you’ll be confidently greeting others in BSL. Wishing you a wonderful journey in mastering this beautiful sign language!
