Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “ten” in British Sign Language (BSL). Whether you’re looking to learn BSL for personal, educational, or professional reasons, it’s essential to understand how to express numbers accurately. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways of signing “ten” in BSL, highlighting any regional variations along the way. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Ten” in BSL
When it comes to formal settings, such as educational or professional environments, it’s crucial to use the appropriate signs in BSL. Here are some formal ways to express the number “ten”:
1. Sign for “Ten” (Default)
The standard sign for “ten” involves extending your right arm slightly forward with your palm facing upwards. Use your left hand to tap softly on your right forearm or wrist. The sign mimics the motion of counting on your fingers.
Tip: Remember to keep your fingers slightly bent, emphasizing the number ten. It’s important to maintain clarity in your handshape, so practice the sign slowly and steadily until it feels natural.
2. Alternative Sign for “Ten”
Some individuals may also use an alternative sign for “ten” in formal contexts. This sign involves extending your right arm straight upwards with your palm facing forwards. Then, curve your fingers slightly inward to form a loose fist. The motion represents a vertical formation of the number ten.
Informal Ways to Say “Ten” in BSL
Informal contexts, such as casual conversations with friends or family, allow for more variation and personal expression when signing “ten”. Here are a couple of informal ways to say “ten” in BSL:
1. Tap on the Chin
One informal way to sign “ten” is by tapping your chin with your fingertips. This subtle gesture represents the number “ten” and is commonly used among friends or in relaxed social settings.
2. Fingerspelling “T-E-N”
Another informal option is to fingerspell the letters “T-E-N” using BSL’s manual alphabet. This method is often used when conversing with individuals who are unfamiliar with BSL or during informal situations where clarity is essential.
Regional Variations
While the signs we’ve explored so far are widely used across the British Sign Language community, it’s worth noting that regional variations may exist. BSL has diverse influences that stem from various local sign languages and communities, leading to differences in signs. If you encounter regional variations when signing “ten,” don’t worry! It’s a testament to the vibrant nature of BSL.
Examples in Context
Let’s explore some examples to demonstrate the formal and informal ways of signing “ten” in BSL in a meaningful context:
Formal Example:
During a math class, a teacher signs, “To solve the equation, multiply five by ten.”
Translation: “To solve the equation, multiply five by ten.”
Informal Example:
Two friends discuss their plans for the weekend.
Friend 1 signs, “I’m going to the party at ten, are you coming?”
Friend 2 responds, “Sure, see you at ten!”
Translation: “I’m going to the party at ten, are you coming?”
Remember, it’s important to practice signing “ten” in both formal and informal contexts to develop your BSL skills. By doing so, you’ll become more comfortable expressing numbers accurately and seamlessly integrating them into your conversations.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of our guide on how to say “ten” in British Sign Language (BSL). We explored both formal and informal ways of saying “ten” and highlighted some regional variations you may encounter. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep engaging with the BSL community, attending classes, and immersing yourself in sign language to enhance your skills. Good luck on your BSL journey!
