Youngest in British Sign Language (BSL)

The sign for “youngest” is used to refer to the youngest member of a family or group, often highlighting age differences among siblings or relatives. It is commonly used in conversations about family dynamics or when sharing personal stories within the UK Deaf community.

How to Sign “Youngest”

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat ‘B’ shape (the palm facing down).
2. Position your hand near your chin, slightly raised and to the side.
3. Move your hand downward in a straight line, while keeping the ‘B’ shape intact.
4. As you sign, raise your eyebrows to indicate a question or to emphasize the point, reflecting the non-manual feature of BSL.
5. Finish with your hand in front of your chest, maintaining eye contact to engage your audience.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to use non-manual features, which are crucial for conveying meaning in BSL.
• Incorrectly positioning the hand too far away from the face, which can lead to misinterpretation.
• Failing to maintain eye contact, which is important for effective communication in BSL.

BSL vs ASL

In BSL, the sign for “youngest” emphasizes the hand movement and facial expressions, whereas in ASL, a different handshape and gesture are used to convey the same meaning. This highlights the distinct linguistic features and cultural contexts of both sign languages.

Related Signs

• 1 – The sign for the number one.
• 10 – The sign for the number ten.
• 12 – The sign for the number twelve.
• 14 – The sign for the number fourteen.
• 16 – The sign for the number sixteen.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can use “youngest” in a sentence like this: “MY SISTER YOUNGEST,” where you introduce the topic first followed by the comment.

Are there regional variations for this sign in the UK?

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

What is a similar sign to “youngest”?

A related sign is “oldest,” which conveys the opposite meaning and is also used in family contexts.

Can I use facial expressions with this sign?

Yes! Facial expressions are essential in BSL to convey emotions and nuances, so use them to enhance your signing.

What are some tips for learning this sign?

Practice regularly with a Deaf friend or teacher, and watch videos to see the sign in context.