Said in British Sign Language (BSL)

The sign for “said” in BSL is commonly used to convey that something has been spoken or communicated. It is often used in storytelling or when recounting conversations within the UK Deaf community. This sign can help clarify who said what and is an essential part of effective communication in BSL.

How to Sign “Said”

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat handshape (similar to the American Sign Language ‘B’ handshape).
2. Position your hand near your mouth, palm facing inwards.
3. Move your hand away from your mouth in a slight outward arc, while simultaneously nodding your head slightly.
4. Maintain a neutral facial expression or raise your eyebrows slightly to indicate the statement is being reported.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to use facial expressions, which are crucial in BSL to convey meaning.
• Not maintaining the correct handshape, leading to confusion with other signs.
• Using a flat handshape but moving the hand inappropriately, which can change the meaning of the sign.

BSL vs ASL

In BSL, the sign for “said” focuses on the movement away from the mouth, while in ASL, the sign is quite different and uses a different handshape and movement. BSL places a strong emphasis on facial expression and body language, while ASL has its own unique structure and signs.

Related Signs

• 1 – Represents the number one.
• 100 – Represents the number one hundred.
• 10 – Represents the number ten.
• 12 – Represents the number twelve.
• 14 – Represents the number fourteen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use “said” in a BSL sentence?

You can use “said” to introduce a quote or a statement. For example, you might sign, “I said ‘Hello'” by first signing ‘I’, followed by ‘said’, and then the sign for ‘Hello’.

Are there regional variations for this sign?

There might be slight variations in how “said” is signed in different regions of the UK, particularly in areas with strong local dialects. Observing native signers can help you learn these nuances.

What similar signs should I learn?

Similar signs include “tell,” “ask,” and “report.” These signs also involve communication but have different meanings and contexts.

What are some tips for learning this sign?

Practice in front of a mirror to check your handshape and facial expressions. Watching videos of native BSL users can also help you grasp the nuances of the sign.

Can I use this sign in everyday conversation?

Absolutely! “Said” is a very common sign used in various contexts, especially when recounting stories or conversations.

Is “said” used in storytelling?

Yes, it’s frequently used in storytelling to indicate what someone has communicated, making it an essential part of narrative structure in BSL.

What if I forget the sign for “said”?

If you forget the sign, you can fingerspell it or use a synonym like “tell” until you can recall the proper sign.