differences in sign language

[Jo Bush]

Hello, my name is Jo, Im starting a level 1 BSL course in September, I am a complete beginner, I havnt had any experience at all,  I was advised to get as much learning in as I can before I start to give me a bit of a heads up, however I have found that alot of tutorial videos and sites that I have been on have shown to sign language slightly different to another, for example numbers.  How am I supposed to know which way is correct? they are all BSL sites that I look for, I can understand if it was an American version for example, so Im a bit confused.

[Jenni]

Hi. This confused me when I started too - but you soon get used to it!  It's called regional variation.

From what I understand, because BSL is used by a relatively small number of people it doesn't spread so much like verbal languages do - it has developed slightly differently in different areas (I suppose like spoken languages did before TV & radio) - it's a bit like having regional coloquialisms or dialect. 

Don't be put off by it - you quickly get used to it - but it does seem a bit daughnting to begin with!

[Jo Bush]

thank you Jenni, its a relief to know im not the only one ☺ I just didn't want to go learning it one way and then find I've been doing it all wrong when I go to college.  My other question now is I've learnt the ABC's do I mirror image the person on the tutorial or do I do it the same way, I.e if they use their right hand to do a sign, I use my right hand? or doesn't it realy matter? 😕 

[Jo Bush]

I've noticed that signing the letter C is on your right hand so its the right way round for the person your signing to but D and P would be the wrong way round to them?

[Jenni]

That depends if you are left or right handed.  The way I remember it is that the hand that does most of the movement is the right hand (I'm right handed).  So, for example, the letter A my left hand stays fairly still but my right hand moves to point to the thumb on my left hand... I hope that makes sense!

[Jenni]

It isn't about how the letters appear in relation to the English alphabet - don't worry about trying to make it look the same as written letters too much - though they can be used to help remember the signs.

Edited May 10, 2017 by Jenni

[Jo Bush]

ok thank you, it makes more sense now 😀 

[Lesley Silvester]

Yes, it does depend on whether you are left or right handed. Use your dominant hand to do most of the movement. I am learning Level 2 and know someone who is an interpreter. I always struggled with her signing until I realised she is left handed.