Your in British Sign Language (BSL)

The sign for “your” in BSL is used to indicate possession or to refer directly to the person you are addressing. It’s a common part of everyday conversation in the UK Deaf community, often used to engage with others or to direct attention to something that belongs to the person you’re speaking with.

How to Sign “Your”

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat ‘B’ handshape (with fingers extended and together, thumb across the palm).
2. Position your hand in front of your chest, facing towards the person you are addressing.
3. Move your hand slightly forward from your body, while maintaining the flat ‘B’ shape.
4. Use facial expressions to emphasise the sign; a friendly expression will convey warmth and engagement.
5. Ensure your non-dominant hand can be used to indicate or include any relevant objects or people in the conversation.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to use facial expressions, which can make the sign appear flat and less engaging.
• Not positioning the hand correctly, which can lead to confusion about whom you are referring to.
• Using a closed fist instead of a flat hand, which alters the sign’s meaning and clarity.

BSL vs ASL

In BSL, “your” is signed using a flat handshape to indicate possession, while in ASL, the sign involves a different handshape and movement. BSL places more emphasis on facial expressions and non-manual features, making it distinct from ASL in terms of grammar and structure.

Related Signs

• (Bsl – A sign that refers to the British Sign Language itself.
• (Bsl) – Another variation of the BSL sign.
• 1 – The sign for the number one in BSL.
• 10 In Bsl – The sign for the number ten.
• 100 In Bsl – The sign for the number one hundred.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use “your” in BSL sentences?

Yes, “your” is commonly used in various sentences to indicate possession, making it a vital part of conversation.

Are there regional variations for this sign in the UK?

The sign for “your” is generally consistent across the UK, but facial expressions and emphasis can vary by region.

Are there similar signs to “your” in BSL?

Yes, signs like “mine” and “his/her” have similar structures but differ in handshape and movement to indicate possession.

What tips do you have for learning this sign?

Practice in front of a mirror to check your handshape and facial expressions, and try using it in conversation with others.

Can “your” be signed differently depending on context?

While the basic sign remains the same, the context and what you are referring to can influence how you sign it, particularly with non-manual features.

How do I combine “your” with other signs?

You can use “your” in conjunction with nouns or adjectives by following the topic-comment structure of BSL, placing “your” before the subject.