British Sign Language (BSL)

British Sign Language is my favorite second signed language. BSL is the sign language used in the United Kingdom (UK). I get tingles every time I see their two-handed manual alphabet.

Even though the United States and the United Kingdom both speak English predominantly, BSL and American Sign Language (ASL) are very different. As you may know by my comments, BSL uses two hands for their alphabet while ASL uses one.

BSL also has many dialects that vary region by region. For example, signs in Scotland may not be understood in southern England. Some signs are even different from city to city. An example of this would be the Manchester number signs.

I am honestly completely fascinated with the two-handed alphabet. After using a one-handed alphabet for so many years, learning the two-handed one is so much fun!

I really want to put up a video of my own of the BSL manual alphabet so you can learn it and have as much fun as I did. I will definitely put that on my to-do list. Don't let me forget! If this is something you truly want, please contact me and let me know.

But, for now, if you want to learn some BSL, I recommend these free sites:

BritishSignLanguage.com: A Guide to BSL

BSL Basics

You can also take an online course here:

British-Sign.co.uk

Even though you're having fun with BSL, don't forget to learn ASL too!

Related Articles:

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• Auslan (Australian Sign Language)
  
• Japanese Sign Language (JSL)
  
• Spanish Sign Language (SSL)
  
• Sign Language Alphabets