U.s. in British Sign Language (BSL)

The sign for “U.S. in BSL” refers to the United States and is commonly used in conversations about American culture, travel, or when discussing topics related to the U.S. within the UK Deaf community. This sign helps to identify the country clearly while engaging in discussions about various subjects.

How to Sign “U.S.” in BSL

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat ‘B’ shape (palm facing forward).
2. Position your hand near the side of your forehead, with the fingers pointing outward.
3. Move your hand slightly away from your forehead while maintaining the ‘B’ handshape.
4. As you perform the movement, keep a neutral or slightly raised eyebrow to indicate this is a factual statement.
5. Finish the sign by returning your hand to the starting position, ensuring your facial expression remains focused and engaged.

Common Mistakes

• Some learners may forget to use the correct handshape and instead use a fist or flat hand without the ‘B’ shape.
• Others might not incorporate the non-manual features, such as facial expressions, which are essential for conveying meaning in BSL.
• Confusing the direction of the sign; it should always be away from the forehead to indicate the country.

BSL vs ASL

In BSL, the sign for “U.S.” involves a specific handshape and movement that differs from American Sign Language (ASL). In ASL, the sign typically uses a different handshape and often represents the U.S. with a different motion, highlighting the distinctiveness of BSL grammar and structure.

Related Signs

• 1 – The sign for the number one.
• 1 Dollar – The sign for one dollar currency.
• 10 – The sign for the number ten.
• 11 – The sign for the number eleven.
• 12 – The sign for the number twelve.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use “U.S.” in a BSL sentence?

You can use “U.S.” as a topic in a sentence by placing it at the beginning, e.g., “U.S. I go there.” This follows the topic-comment structure of BSL.

Are there regional variations of this sign in the UK?

Generally, the sign for “U.S.” is consistent across the UK, but some regions may have slight variations in hand movement.

What are some similar signs to “U.S.”?

Similar signs would include other country signs, such as “Canada,” or “England,” which also use specific handshapes and movements.

What tips do you have for learning this sign?

Practice in front of a mirror to ensure your handshape and facial expressions are correct. Watching videos can also help you understand the movement better.

Can I use this sign in casual conversations?

Yes, “U.S.” is commonly used in casual and formal conversations when discussing topics related to the United States.

Is this sign used in storytelling in BSL?

Definitely! When telling stories or experiences related to the U.S., using this sign adds clarity and context to your narrative.