Brother in British Sign Language (BSL)

The sign for “brother” in BSL is used to refer to a male sibling. It is commonly used in conversations within the UK Deaf community, especially when discussing family relationships or sharing personal stories. This sign helps to express connections and familial ties in a visually engaging way.

How to Sign “Brother” in BSL

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat ‘B’ handshape (with fingers extended and together).
2. Place your dominant hand near your forehead, with the palm facing outward.
3. Move your hand away from your forehead and downwards in a slight arc, keeping the handshape the same.
4. Maintain a neutral facial expression, or add a slight smile to convey warmth.
5. Use your non-dominant hand to indicate the space for context, if necessary, such as referring to multiple siblings.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to use the correct handshape, which can lead to confusion with other signs.
• Not using the appropriate facial expressions, which are crucial in conveying the right emotion or context.
• Failing to maintain the topic-comment structure, making the sentence unclear.

BSL vs ASL

In BSL, the sign for “brother” involves a specific handshape and movement that differs from ASL. In ASL, the sign is made by placing the thumb of the dominant hand on the forehead and moving it away, which is visually distinct from the BSL sign.

Related Signs

• Sister – The sign for a female sibling.
• Family – A sign that encompasses all relatives.
• Parent – Referring to a mother or father.
• Cousin – Used for a child of an aunt or uncle.
• Sibling – A sign that can refer to either a brother or sister.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use “brother” in a BSL sentence?

You can use “brother” in a sentence by setting the topic first, such as “MY BROTHER,” followed by the comment about him, like “HE IS FUNNY.”

Are there regional variations for “brother” in BSL?

While the sign for “brother” is generally consistent across the UK, some regions might have slight variations in movement or facial expressions.

What is the sign for “sibling”?

The sign for “sibling” is similar but uses both hands to indicate that it can refer to either a brother or sister.

What tips do you have for learning this sign?

Practice in front of a mirror to check your handshape and movement. Watching native signers can also help you understand the nuances of the sign.

Can I use “brother” to refer to a close friend?

In some contexts, “brother” can be used informally to refer to a close male friend, but be mindful of the setting and relationship.

How do I fingerspell “brother” in BSL?

You can fingerspell “brother” using the BSL alphabet, which involves spelling out each letter: B-R-O-T-H-E-R.