Good Evening in British Sign Language (BSL)

The sign for “good evening” is a warm and friendly greeting used in the UK Deaf community during the evening hours. It’s a way to acknowledge someone and create a positive atmosphere as the day comes to a close.

How to Sign “Good Evening” in BSL

1. Start with your dominant hand open and palm facing forward, fingers together. This hand shape represents the sign for “good.”
2. Place your dominant hand near your chin, with your fingers pointing upwards.
3. Move your hand slightly away from your chin, maintaining the same handshape, while keeping your facial expression friendly and positive.
4. Next, transition to the sign for “evening.” Use both hands in an open handshape, palms facing down.
5. Position your hands in front of your body, about waist height, and move them outward and slightly downwards to indicate the setting sun.
6. Throughout the sign, maintain a cheerful facial expression to convey warmth and friendliness.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to use a positive facial expression, which is vital in BSL to convey the right tone.
• Not using the correct handshape for “good,” leading to confusion with other signs.
• Rushing through the movements, which can make the sign unclear.

BSL vs ASL

In BSL, “good evening” is signed with a specific handshape and movement that differs from ASL. While ASL also has a similar greeting, the signs and hand shapes are unique to each language, reflecting different cultural nuances.

Related Signs

• Good – A sign often used to express positivity.
• Evening – The sign representing the time of day.
• Hello – A common greeting in BSL.
• Welcome – A friendly sign to invite someone in.
• Good Morning – A greeting used in the morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use “good evening” at any time of day?

No, this sign is specifically for the evening. Use “hello” or “good morning” at other times.

Are there regional variations for this sign in the UK?

While the sign is generally consistent, some regional signs may vary slightly in handshape or movement.

How can I incorporate “good evening” into a BSL sentence?

You can sign “Good evening” followed by a topic, like “Good evening, friends” by using the sign for “friends” after.

Are there similar signs to “good evening”?

Yes, signs like “hello” and “good morning” are similar in structure but differ in context and timing.

What tips do you have for learning this sign?

Practice in front of a mirror to check your handshape and facial expressions. Try using it in conversations to build confidence.

Can I use my non-dominant hand while signing “good evening”?

Yes, you can use both hands to emphasize the sign, especially for “evening.”