Finished in British Sign Language (BSL)

The sign for “finished” in BSL is commonly used in various contexts, such as indicating the end of a task or activity. It’s a straightforward yet essential sign for conversations within the Deaf community in the UK, allowing for clear communication about completion.

How to Sign “Finished” in BSL

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat ‘B’ shape, palm facing down.
2. Position your hand slightly in front of your body, around chest height.
3. Move your hand outward in a small arc away from your body, maintaining the ‘B’ shape.
4. As you do this, slightly raise your eyebrows and nod your head to indicate the completion.
5. Finish the sign by relaxing your facial expression to convey the sense of finality.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to use facial expressions, which are crucial for conveying meaning in BSL.
• Using the wrong handshape; ensure you keep the ‘B’ shape throughout the sign.
• Not moving the hand away from the body, which can lead to confusion about the sign’s meaning.

BSL vs ASL

In BSL, the sign for “finished” is represented with a flat ‘B’ handshape, while in ASL, a different handshape and movement are used. This highlights the distinct grammar and hand movements inherent to each sign language.

Related Signs

• (Bsl – A term used to refer to British Sign Language.
• 1 – The sign for the number one.
• 10 – The sign for the number ten.
• 100 – The sign for the number one hundred.
• 11 – The sign for the number eleven.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use “finished” in a BSL sentence?

You can use “finished” at the end of a sentence to indicate completion, for example, “I finished my work” would be signed as “WORK FINISHED.” Remember to use the topic-comment structure.

Are there regional variations for signing “finished”?

While the sign for “finished” is generally consistent across the UK, slight variations in movement or facial expression may occur in different regions.

What is a similar sign to “finished”?

The sign for “done” is often used interchangeably with “finished,” both conveying a sense of completion.

What tips can help me learn this sign?

Practice in front of a mirror to check your handshape and facial expressions. Watching videos of native signers can also provide valuable visual cues.

Can “finished” be used in questions?

Yes, you can ask questions about completion using “finished.” For example, “Are you finished?” would be signed with raised eyebrows to indicate a question.

What facial expressions should I use when signing “finished”?

Use a raised eyebrow and a nod to show completion, then relax your face. This helps convey the meaning clearly.