How Are You in British Sign Language (BSL)

The sign for “how are you” is a friendly way to check in on someone in the UK Deaf community. It is commonly used in both casual and formal conversations, helping to establish rapport and show care for others. This sign can be used with friends, family, or acquaintances to open a dialogue.

How to Sign “How Are You In Bsl” in BSL

1. Start with your dominant hand in a ‘C’ shape, palm facing inward towards your chest.
2. Position your hand near your chest, approximately at heart level.
3. Move your hand outward and slightly away from your body, maintaining the ‘C’ handshape.
4. As you move your hand, raise your eyebrows to indicate a question. This non-manual feature is essential for conveying the interrogative nature of the sign.
5. After the outward movement, you can either relax your hand or bring it back to your chest for emphasis.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to use facial expressions, which are crucial in BSL for indicating a question.
• Using a flat hand instead of the ‘C’ handshape, which can change the meaning of the sign.
• Not moving the hand sufficiently away from the body, making the sign less clear.

BSL vs ASL

In BSL, “how are you” uses a different handshape and movement compared to ASL. While ASL uses a flat hand with a different motion, BSL focuses on the ‘C’ handshape moving away from the body, along with essential facial expressions to convey the question’s nature.

Related Signs

• (Bsl) – Refers to British Sign Language itself.
• 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 “how are you” in a BSL sentence?

You can use it to start a conversation, such as, “HOW ARE YOU?” followed by a comment about the weather or recent events.

Are there regional variations for this sign in the UK?

Generally, the sign is consistent across the UK, but local dialects may influence the speed or slight nuances in movement.

What are some signs similar to “how are you”?

Other greetings, such as “hello” or “how’s it going,” have different signs, but they aim to convey similar sentiments.

What tips can help me learn this sign better?

Practice with native signers and pay attention to non-manual features, especially facial expressions, as they enhance the meaning of the sign.

Can I use this sign in formal settings?

Yes, “how are you” is appropriate in both informal and formal contexts, making it a versatile greeting.

Is this sign used in other sign languages?

While similar, each sign language has its own specific signs for “how are you,” so it’s best to learn the version for the language you are using.