Months in British Sign Language (BSL)

The sign for “months” in BSL is used to refer to the calendar months in a variety of contexts, such as discussing plans, birthdays, or events throughout the year. It’s a fundamental sign that is often used in everyday conversation within the UK Deaf community.

How to Sign “Months” in BSL

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat handshape (the “B” handshape) with fingers extended and together.
2. Position your dominant hand in front of your body, palm facing slightly towards you, at about shoulder height.
3. Begin to move your hand in a circular motion, tracing the outline of an imaginary calendar, while keeping your fingers together.
4. As you make the circular motion, use your facial expressions to reflect the topic of conversation, such as nodding for affirmation or raising your eyebrows for a question.
5. Finish the motion by returning your hand to the starting position, maintaining eye contact with your audience to engage them.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to use the correct handshape, which can lead to confusion with other signs.
• Not incorporating facial expressions, which are crucial for conveying meaning in BSL.
• Neglecting the topic-comment structure, which can make sentences unclear or difficult to follow.

BSL vs ASL

In BSL, the sign for “months” uses a circular motion to represent the calendar, while in ASL, the sign is made by using a different handshape and motion. The differences highlight the unique grammar and structure of each sign language, reflecting their distinct cultural contexts.

Related Signs

• 1 – The sign for the number one.
• 10 – The sign for the number ten.
• 100 – The sign for the number one hundred.
• 12 – The sign for the number twelve.
• (Bsl) – Related to BSL in general.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can use “months” in a sentence by placing it at the beginning to set the topic. For example, “Months I like: March, July.” This follows the topic-comment structure.

Are there regional variations in signing months?

While the sign for “months” is generally consistent across the UK, some regions may have slight variations in movement or facial expression. It’s always good to observe local signing.

What are some similar signs to “months”?

Similar signs include “date” and “year,” which also refer to time but in different contexts. You can explore these to expand your vocabulary.

Any tips for learning this sign?

Practice in front of a mirror to see your handshape and facial expressions. Watching fluent signers can also help you understand the flow and context of the sign.

How do I sign specific months like January or February?

Each month has its own specific sign. For example, “January” is signed by making a “J” handshape and moving it in a circular motion. Look up each month for clarity.

Can I use this sign in formal settings?

Yes, the sign for “months” is appropriate in both casual and formal settings, such as meetings or presentations, as long as you consider your audience’s understanding.