ASL vs BSL: Key Similarities and Differences at a Glance

ASL Vs BSL: What are the key differences? Many learners ask this question when starting sign language. These two languages may look similar; however, they are very different. ASL is used in America, while BSL is used in the UK. Both languages help people communicate, but they follow different rules. In fact, only about 31% of signs are identical or closely related between ASL and BSL, so users often cannot understand each other without study.

However, the differences are not only about hand use or signs. ASL uses one hand, while BSL uses two hands for many signs. Also, their grammar is not the same. Because of this, learning one does not mean understanding the other. Exploring both languages later can help you appreciate their unique styles.

What Makes British Sign Language So Special?

The most widely used sign language in the United Kingdom is British Sign Language. It is a beautiful way for people to share their thoughts and feelings. Thousands of people in Britain use this language as their primary way of talking. However, it is not just a collection of hand gestures and simple movements. It is a full language with its own grammar rules and local history. You will find that BSL is very important for the local community here.

Actually, the UK government officially recognised BSL as a real language in 2003. Since that time, more schools have started to teach it to young students. You might see people signing on the news or during important public events. This helps everyone stay informed regardless of how they choose to hear or speak. Consequently, learning a few signs can help you make many new friends at school.

Why Do People Compare ASL vs BSL?

Many people assume that sign language is the same in every single country. They think that because people in the UK and the USA speak English, the signs match. However, this is a very common mistake that many new learners often make. When comparing, you will find that they are actually quite different. They belong to different language families and have very different historical roots. Therefore, a person using BSL might not understand someone using American Sign Language easily. 

One big reason for this difference is how the two languages first started. British Sign Language grew naturally within the UK over many hundreds of years. Meanwhile, American Sign Language was actually based on signs coming from old France. 

Because of this, ASL shares more in common with French signs than British ones. This history explains why the two systems look so different to our eyes today. Similarly, the way people spell words is one of the most visible differences. Learn more about the differences between ASL and BSL. Check out our full guide on our blog  What Is the Difference Between ASL and BSL? A Complete Guide for UK Readers for easy tips and examples. 

How Do the Two Alphabets Really Work?

The way you spell out names is the first thing you will notice. In the UK, BSL users almost always use both of their hands for spelling. For example, your non-dominant hand acts like a piece of paper for the other. You point to different fingers to represent the vowels like A, E, and I. This method feels very steady and clear when you are learning the basics. Moreover, many students find the two-handed alphabet very easy to remember and practice.

In contrast, American Sign Language uses only one hand to show every single letter. You make specific shapes with your fingers to represent the alphabet from A to Z. This is often called fingerspelling, and it can be done very, very quickly. While it only requires one hand, it can be harder for beginners to read. Nevertheless, it is a very efficient way to communicate if your other hand is busy.

Why Are Facial Expressions So Important?

In both languages, your face does a lot of the talking for you. If you sign “I am happy” with a sad face, people will worry. You must use your eyebrows and mouth to show the tone of your voice. 

For instance, raising your eyebrows usually means you are asking a specific type of question. This is a vital part of grammar that every student needs to master. Without facial expressions, your signing would feel very flat and perhaps quite boring. 

Furthermore, the way you move your body can change the meaning of a sign. Leaning forward might show that you are very interested in the current topic. Turning your shoulders can represent two different people having a conversation with each other. 

Because of this, signing is a very active and physical way to share ideas. It enables you to convey intense feelings that words can’t always adequately convey.

What are the Rules for BSL Grammar?

The grammar of BSL is not the same as the grammar of English. You do not sign words like “is”, “the”, or “are” in most sentences. Instead, you put the most important topic at the very start of your sentence. This is often called the topic-comment structure by people who study these diverse languages. 

For example, instead of saying “What is your name?”, you might say “Name you what?” This makes the communication very fast and direct for everyone involved in the chat.

In addition, you can use the space around you to talk about different things. You might place a friend on your left and a teacher on your right. Then, you just point to those spaces to talk about them again later. This is a very clever way to keep track of a long story. 

Consequently, you do not have to keep repeating names over and over again. It makes the language very visual and easy to follow once you understand.

Common BSL Signs For Your School Day:

• Hello: A simple wave or a salute gesture near the forehead.
• Please: Hold your hand on your chest and move it in circles.
• Thank you: Moving your hand away from your chin towards the person.
• Help: Placing one flat hand on top of a closed fist.

Common ASL Signs For Your School Day:

• Hello: A sharp salute starting from the temple, moving outward.
• Please: Rubbing a flat palm in a circle over the chest area.
• Thank you: Similar to BSL, moving the hand from the chin forward.
• Help: Placing a “thumb-up” hand on top of a flat palm.

Which Language Should You Learn, ASL vs BSL?

If you are currently living and studying in the UK, BSL is best. This is because the people around you will use British signs every day. You will see it on the BBC and in your local community centres. If you use ASL and BSL incorrectly here, people might think you are from America. Therefore, learning the local signs will help you fit in much faster and better. It is always a good idea to learn the language of your current home.

However, you might see a lot of ASL on the internet and YouTube. Many famous movies from Hollywood feature American signs because they are made in America. This can be confusing for students who are trying to learn the right way. Just remember to check if the video is from a UK or US source. By staying focused on BSL, you will build strong skills for your life in Britain. Later on, you can always learn ASL as a fun second sign language!

How Can You Practise Your Signs?

The best way to get better is to practise with a real person. You can look for a sign language interpreter at public events to watch them. They are experts who translate spoken words into beautiful signs for the Deaf community. Watching them will help you see how fast and fluid the movements should be. Moreover, you can try to copy their facial expressions to improve your own skills. It is a very helpful way to learn how the language flows.

Another great tip is to use a mirror while you are at home. This helps you see if your hand shapes look correct and are very clear. Sometimes, you might think you are making the right sign, but it looks different. Checking in the mirror allows you to fix your mistakes before talking to others. In addition, you can record yourself on a phone to watch your progress. This makes learning feel like a fun project that you can do every day.

Are There Different Accents in Sign Language?

Just like people speak with accents, people also sign with local regional accents. A person from Scotland might use different signs than a person from London. This happens because local schools for the Deaf developed their own signs long ago. 

For example, the signs for numbers or colours can vary quite a bit. It is very interesting to see how the language changes across the different counties. You will likely learn the specific accent of the city where you currently live.

Similarly, older people might use slightly different signs than younger students in your school. This is because languages are always growing and changing over time as people invent things. New signs for technology, like the internet or smartphones, are created every single year. 

Consequently, the language stays fresh and modern for everyone who uses it daily. It is a living thing that evolves just like the English that we speak. Staying curious will help you keep up with all these exciting new changes.

What are Some Easy Ways to Start Today?

You can start by learning how to spell your own name using BSL. This only takes a few minutes and is a great way to introduce yourself. Then, try to learn the signs for “yes”, “no”, and “how are you?” These small steps will give you the confidence to try longer and harder sentences. You can find many free posters online that show the BSL alphabet for kids. Hanging one in your room is a perfect way to remember the letters.

Furthermore, you can look for BSL stories on websites made for UK schools. These videos often have signs and subtitles to help you follow the plot easily. Watching stories is much more fun than just memorising a long list of words. It helps you see how signs are linked together to make a full thought. Before you know it, you will be able to understand basic conversations at school. Just keep trying a little bit every single day to see big results.

Reasons to Learn British Sign Language:

• It helps you make friends with Deaf students in your local school.
• You can communicate quietly in places like the library or the bus.
• It is a fantastic skill to add to your future job applications.
• You will understand the world more visually and creatively.
• It is fun to use your body and face to express your thoughts.

Is it Hard to Learn BSL as an Immigrant?

Many students worry that learning a third or fourth language will be too hard. However, BSL is very different because it does not use sounds or spoken words. It uses a different part of your brain that focuses on pictures and space. Many people find this a refreshing break from reading and writing in English all day. Actually, your experience with other languages might help you learn signs even faster than others. You already know how to adapt to new ways of speaking and thinking.

In addition, many signs look exactly like the object they are describing to you. The sign for ‘book’ looks like you are opening a book with your hands. The sign for ‘drink’ looks like you are holding a cup to your mouth. This makes the vocabulary very easy to guess and remember for most new students. Therefore, do not be afraid to jump in and start your signing journey. You will likely find it much easier than you originally thought it would be.

Final Thoughts

When choosing ASL vs BSL, your location matters most. In the UK, learning BSL helps you communicate daily with friends, classmates, and your local community. BSL is visual, fun, and easier to grasp with practice. Remember to use both your hands, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning clearly. Start small with simple signs, and gradually build your skills. With regular practice, you’ll become confident and enjoy the creativity of sign language every day. Start your journey now with our BSL Training (British Sign Language) course. Our step-by-step guides and practical tips will help you learn faster and build real confidence in everyday communication.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it better to learn ASL or BSL?

• It depends on where you live; BSL is best in the UK and ASL in the USA.

2. Can ASL understand BSL?

• No, ASL and BSL are different languages, so users usually cannot understand each other.

3. What is ASL for “I’m sorry”?

• Make a fist and rub it in a circular motion over your chest.

4. Is BSL a dying language?

• No, BSL is alive and widely used in the UK with growing recognition.

5. Why was BSL banned in the UK?

• It was discouraged in schools in the 19th century to promote oral teaching.

6. What is 🤟 in ASL?

• It means “I love you”, combining the letters I, L, and Y.

7. What is “I love you” in ASL?

• Make the 🤟 hand shape with your thumb, index, and pinky extended.

8. How do you say “sorry” in BSL?

• Make a fist and rub it in a circular motion on your chest.

9. How do I say “I’ll miss you” in ASL?

• Point to yourself, then point to the other person, and pull your hand toward your chest.