Name Sign in British Sign Language (BSL)

A name sign in BSL is a unique sign that represents a person’s name or identity within the Deaf community. It is often used as a way to personalise communication and build connections. Name signs can be descriptive, based on a person’s characteristics, or arbitrary, using the first letter of their name. This sign is commonly used during introductions or when referring to someone in conversation.

How to Sign “Name Sign” in BSL

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat handshape (like the letter “B”).
2. Hold your hand at the side of your forehead, palm facing outward.
3. Move your hand forward slightly while keeping the flat handshape.
4. While doing this, use your facial expression to show you are making an introduction or referring to someone’s name.
5. Finish by placing your hand down to your side to indicate completion.

Common Mistakes

• Using the wrong handshape; ensure you have a flat hand, not a fist or curved hand.
• Not using facial expressions to convey the context of the sign.
• Failing to maintain the topic-comment structure by not clearly indicating who you are signing about.

BSL vs ASL

In BSL, the sign for “name” is distinct from American Sign Language (ASL). In ASL, “name” is often signed with a flat handshape at the chin, whereas in BSL, it typically starts at the forehead location. This reflects the differences in grammar and structure between the two sign languages.

Related Signs

• Introduce – Used when making introductions.
• Name – Refers to a person’s name more generally.
• Identity – Represents a person’s identity or characteristics.
• Person – A general sign for a person.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use a name sign in a BSL sentence?

You can introduce someone by saying their name sign first, followed by a comment about them. For example, “NAME SIGN, this is my friend.”

Are there regional variations for name signs in the UK?

Yes, name signs can vary regionally within the UK Deaf community. It’s always best to ask the individual how they prefer their name sign to be shown.

What if I don’t have a name sign?

If you don’t have a name sign, you can ask someone in the Deaf community to help create one for you, based on your characteristics or name.

Can name signs change?

Yes, name signs can change over time based on how people perceive you or how you want to be identified within the community.

Are there similar signs to “name sign”?

Yes, signs like “introduce” and “identity” are related and can be used in similar contexts.

What are tips for learning name signs?

Observe how name signs are used within the Deaf community, practice regularly, and engage with Deaf individuals to learn and refine your skills.