Days of the Week in British Sign Language (BSL)

The sign for “days of the week” is essential for everyday conversations in the UK Deaf community. It helps you discuss schedules, plan events, or simply talk about past and upcoming activities. This sign is widely used and understood, making it a fundamental part of BSL communication.

How to Sign “Days Of The Week In Bsl” in BSL

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat shape (like a “B” handshape), palm facing forward.
2. Position your hand at the side of your forehead, near the temple area.
3. Move your hand away from your head in a slight arc towards your non-dominant side, while keeping the handshape.
4. For each day of the week, repeat this motion, adjusting your hand’s position to represent the respective day (Monday, Tuesday, etc.).
5. Ensure your facial expressions match the context of your conversation, using raised eyebrows for questions and relaxed expressions for statements.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to use the correct handshape, which can lead to miscommunication.
• Not adjusting facial expressions to match the context; this is crucial in BSL.
• Confusing the order of the days, as each day has a specific movement and position.

BSL vs ASL

In BSL, the sign for “days of the week” involves a unique handshape and movement that differs from ASL. While ASL uses fingerspelling for the days, BSL has a distinct sign for each day, making it more fluid and expressive in conversation.

Related Signs

• Monday – The sign for the first day of the week.
• Tuesday – The sign representing the second day.
• Wednesday – The sign for the midweek day.
• Thursday – The sign for the day before Friday.
• Friday – The sign for the end of the work week.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use the days of the week in a BSL sentence?

You can structure a sentence by setting the topic first. For example, “MONDAY I GO SHOPPING” translates to “I go shopping on Monday” in BSL.

Are there regional differences in signing the days of the week?

While the signs are generally consistent across the UK, some regional variations may exist in facial expressions or slight hand movements.

What are some similar signs to the days of the week?

Signs like “week,” “today,” and “tomorrow” are closely related and often used in conjunction with the days of the week.

What tips can help me learn the signs more effectively?

Practice consistently with native BSL users and pay attention to non-manual features, as these convey important information in BSL.

Can I fingerspell the days of the week in BSL?

Fingerspelling is not necessary for the days of the week as there are specific signs for each day, which are more commonly used.

How do I express the weekend in BSL?

To sign “weekend,” you can combine the signs for “SATURDAY” and “SUNDAY” while indicating the concept of the end of the week.