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Here’s How To Say ‘I Love You!’ In British Sign Language

Two hands making a heart symbol together.

Do you want to say “I love you” in a special way? Why not learn how to say it in sign language! In the United Kingdom (UK), there are a few different ways to say “I love you” in sign language. In this piece, we will teach you how to say “I love you” in British sign language (BSL).

We will also give you a few tips on how to express your love for someone in sign language.

What Is British Sign Language?

BSL is a visual language used by deaf people in the UK. It consists of hand shapes, gestures, and facial expressions and is different from American Sign Language (ASL) used in the US.

BSL was first formalised in the early 1800s by Thomas Braidwood, who founded the first school for the deaf in Britain. Since then, it has become the preferred mode of communication for many deaf people in the UK. According to a 2011 census, there are over 1,45,000 BSL users in the country.

BSL is a recognised language in the UK. It is used by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in its news broadcasts. It is also a recognised minority language in the European Union.

If you are interested in learning BSL, many resources are available online. Also, there are local organisations who can help you with the same. You can also find interpreters who can help you communicate with deaf people in your community.

How To Say I Love You In BSL?

In BSL, there are a few different ways to say “I love you”. One way is to sign the letters “I”, “L” and “U”, while mouthing the words “I love you”. Another way is to sign the letter “C” with one hand while making a heart shape with the other hand.

You can also say “I love you” by signing the word “love” followed by the person’s name. For example, if your partner’s name is John, you would sign “Love John”.

Finally, you can simply sign the word “love”. This can be used as an expression of affection towards anyone, not just a romantic partner.

So, there you have it… A few different ways to say “I love you” in BSL! Whether you are signing it to your partner, friend, or a family member, they will know just how much you care.

How To Learn BSL?

There are a few different ways to learn BSL. One way is to take a face-to-face class with a qualified tutor. This is probably the most popular way to learn, as it allows you to practice your skills in a supportive environment. 

You can also find online BSL courses, that can be accessed from anywhere in the world. These can be a great option if you cannot attend face-to-face classes. Finally, there are a number of apps and websites that offer BSL lessons. These can be a convenient way to learn if you have a busy lifestyle.

How Long Does It Take To Learn BSL?

BSL is a language like any other, so the time it takes to learn will depend on each individual. However, some general estimates can give you an idea of how long it might take to become proficient in BSL.

The average person can expect to spend around 200 hours studying BSL. This includes time spent in a classroom setting and practising on your own. For example, if you dedicate about three hours to learning BSL each week, you can expect to achieve a basic level of proficiency within six months to a year.

Sign language is a beautiful way to communicate, and it’s especially poignant when used to express love. If you know someone who uses sign language or are learning it yourself, use the aforementioned ways to show your loved one how much you care.

Featured image is for representational purposes only. Photo credit: PeakPx.
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