Odd Number in British Sign Language (BSL)

The sign for “odd number” in BSL is used to refer to any number that is not evenly divisible by two, such as 1, 3, 5, etc. This sign is commonly used in conversations about mathematics, counting, or when discussing numbers in general within the UK Deaf community.

How to Sign “Odd Number In Bsl” in BSL

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat handshape (like an open ‘B’ hand). Position it in front of your body at chest height.
2. Move your hand slightly forward and to the right, while maintaining the flat handshape.
3. While moving your hand, use your non-dominant hand to show the number being referred to (for example, use fingerspelling or specific number signs).
4. Throughout the sign, maintain an engaging facial expression to indicate the topic of discussion, as facial expressions are crucial in BSL grammar.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to use appropriate facial expressions, which can lead to confusion about the meaning.
• Using the sign for “even number” instead, which looks similar but has different hand positioning.
• Neglecting to use the non-dominant hand to clarify which odd number is being referred to, making it unclear.

BSL vs ASL

In BSL, the sign for “odd number” focuses on the handshape and movement, while in ASL, it may incorporate a different handshape or a different sign altogether. BSL tends to emphasize the visual aspect of the sign, using space and non-manual features more than ASL does.

Related Signs

• 1 – The sign for the number one.
• 11 – The sign for the number eleven.
• 13 – The sign for the number thirteen.
• 15 – The sign for the number fifteen.
• 100 – The sign for the number one hundred.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can “odd number” be used in sentences?

Yes, you can use “odd number” in sentences to discuss quantities, such as “I have an odd number of books.”

Are there regional variations of this sign in the UK?

While the sign is generally consistent, some regions may have slight variations in handshape or movement.

What are similar signs to “odd number”?

Signs like “even number” or specific odd numbers like “1” or “3” are closely related and often used together.

What tips do you have for learning this sign?

Practice in front of a mirror to see your handshape and facial expressions. Engage with Deaf peers to gain feedback.

Can I use this sign when discussing sports scores?

Absolutely! It’s relevant when talking about scores that are odd numbers.

How do I show multiple odd numbers in a conversation?

You can use your non-dominant hand to indicate a range or specific numbers while signing “odd number.”