# British Sign Language (BSL)

> A two-handed alphabet — the vowels are your index finger landing on each fingertip.

- Region: United Kingdom
- Alphabet: two-handed alphabet
- Signs taught: 13
- Lessons: 16
- Graded movement: 2 signs
- Course page: https://signlingo.khe.money/dictionary/bsl

## What this course covers

A starter course: the five vowels, a one-handed letter, counting to five, and two SignBank words. The rest of the BSL alphabet is not here rather than guessed at.

## About the language

BSL was recognised as a language of Great Britain in its own right in 2003, and by Act of Parliament in 2022.

## Signs

### A

Hold your non-dominant hand up flat with the fingers spread, then touch its thumb with your other index finger.

### E

Hold your non-dominant hand up flat with the fingers spread, then touch its index finger with your other index finger.

### I

Hold your non-dominant hand up flat with the fingers spread, then touch its middle finger with your other index finger.

### O

Hold your non-dominant hand up flat with the fingers spread, then touch its ring finger with your other index finger.

### U

Hold your non-dominant hand up flat with the fingers spread, then touch its pinky with your other index finger.

### C

One hand only: curve your fingers and thumb into the shape of a C.

### hello

Open hand raised in front of you, palm forward, and wave side to side.

### thank you

Flat hand with fingertips at your chin, palm facing you, then move forward and down away from your face.

### 1

Index finger straight up.

### 2

Index and middle fingers up.

### 3

Index, middle and ring fingers up.

### 4

All four fingers up, thumb tucked in.

### 5

Open hand — all five fingers spread.

---