How to Say “My Name Is” in Sign Language (UK)

Learning sign language is a fantastic way to communicate with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. If you’re looking to introduce yourself in sign language in the UK, the phrase “My name is” holds significant importance. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to say “My name is” in British Sign Language (BSL), along with some useful tips and examples to help you get started.

Formal Way to Say “My Name Is” in BSL

When introducing yourself more formally, you can use the following phrase in BSL:

“My name is [YOUR NAME].”

Here’s a breakdown of how to form this phrase:

1. Start by pointing to yourself with an open palm facing inward, near your upper chest. This gesture represents yourself.
2. Next, fingerspell your name using the BSL alphabet. If your name is common and likely to be understood, you can fingerspell it once. However, if your name is unique or difficult to fingerspell, it’s best to fingerspell it twice for clarity.
3. Finish the phrase by nodding slightly to denote your name and pointing towards the person you’re addressing.

For example, if your name is Emily, you would fingerspell “E-M-I-L-Y” while performing the other gestures described above.

Informal Way to Say “My Name Is” in BSL

In more informal situations, you can use a shortened version of the phrase “My name is.” In BSL, the most commonly used informal variation is:

“[YOUR NAME], I AM.”

Here’s how you can express this more casually:

1. Instead of specifically pointing to yourself, simply perform a small wave towards yourself with an open palm facing inward. This conveys the meaning of “I am.”
2. Next, fingerspell your name once or twice, depending on its complexity or uniqueness.
3. End the phrase with a more relaxed nod towards the person you’re talking to.

For instance, if your name is David, you would fingerspell “D-A-V-I-D” while combining the casual gestures described above.

Tips for Sign Language Introductions

When using sign language to introduce yourself, it’s essential to keep a few tips in mind:

1. Facial expression: Maintain a warm and friendly facial expression while signing. It helps convey your attitude and sets a positive tone for the interaction. Smiling is always appreciated.
2. Pacing: Don’t rush through the signs. Take your time and maintain a steady pace to ensure clarity and understanding.
3. Eye contact: While signing, maintain eye contact with the person you’re communicating with. It shows respect and engagement.
4. Practice fingerspelling: Brush up on the BSL alphabet to improve your fingerspelling skills. Clear and accurate fingerspelling enhances communication.
5. Engage in conversation: Once you’ve introduced yourself, ask questions and engage in conversation using BSL. This helps build a meaningful connection with the deaf or hard-of-hearing person you’re communicating with.

Remember, repetition and practice are key to becoming proficient in sign language.

Examples

Here are a few examples to further illustrate how to say “My name is” in both formal and informal ways:

1. Formal Example:

You: (Pointing at yourself) My name is [YOUR NAME].

Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Person: (Pointing at you) Nice to meet you, [YOUR NAME].

1. Informal Example:

You: (Waving towards yourself) [YOUR NAME], I AM.

Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Person: (Nods and points at you) Pleasure to meet you, [YOUR NAME].

Remember to adjust your speed and gestures as needed and to always be open to learning and improving your sign language skills.

Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge of how to say “My name is” in both formal and informal ways in BSL, continue practicing and expanding your sign language skills. Enjoy the journey of communicating and connecting with individuals in the deaf community!