Company in British Sign Language (BSL)

The sign for “British Sign Language Company” is commonly used within the UK Deaf community to refer to organizations or businesses that focus on providing services in British Sign Language. This sign can be particularly useful when discussing Deaf-friendly companies, interpreting services, or educational resources.

How to Sign “Company” in BSL

1. Start with both hands in a flat “B” handshape (with fingers extended and together).
2. Position your dominant hand slightly in front of your non-dominant hand, which remains stationary.
3. Move your dominant hand in a small circle above the non-dominant hand while maintaining the flat “B” shape.
4. Use a friendly facial expression to convey a positive meaning, as non-manual features are important in BSL.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to use the appropriate handshape; learners may use a fist instead of a flat hand.
• Not maintaining eye contact or appropriate facial expressions, which can change the sign’s meaning.
• Failing to use the correct spatial orientation, making it unclear which hand is dominant.

BSL vs ASL

In BSL, the sign for “company” involves a circular motion with flat hands, while in ASL, the sign for “company” typically uses a different handshape and motion. The grammar and structure also differ, as BSL uses a topic-comment structure more frequently than ASL.

Related Signs

• 1 – The sign for the number one.
• 10 – The sign for the number ten.
• (Bsl) – Used to refer to British Sign Language itself.
• 100 – The sign for the number one hundred.
• 100 In Bsl – The sign for one hundred in the context of BSL.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can use “company” in a sentence like: “I work for a British Sign Language company.” This would involve a topic-comment structure where you establish the topic (your work) and then comment on it (the type of company).

Are there regional variations for the sign “company”?

While the sign is generally consistent, some regions may have slight variations in movement or handshape. It’s always a good idea to learn from local Deaf signers.

What other signs are similar to “company”?

Signs like “business,” “organization,” or “group” may have overlapping meanings and can be useful in similar contexts.

What tips do you have for learning this sign?

Practice in front of a mirror to ensure your handshape and movements are correct. Also, try to incorporate facial expressions to convey the right tone.

Can I use this sign in a formal context?

Yes, you can use “company” in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing professional matters related to Deaf services.

How do I sign “British Sign Language”?

The sign for “British Sign Language” involves using the fingerspelled letters B, S, and L followed by the sign for “language,” which is typically formed by moving your dominant hand in a circular motion.