10 Really Useful Signs in British Sign Language (BSL)

Learn 10 phrases in British Sign Language that can be really useful in everyday conversations.

Many of these signs are often referred to as "multi-channel signs" where you need to show a specific facial expression or lip pattern at the same as as the sign, for example "that's interesting" requires an "ooooh" lip pattern.

What signs do you find really useful? Let us know in the comments. They don't have to be the signs in this video.

Thanks for watching! ✋

[AriaAsacura]

"sorry my mind's gone blank" is literally a life saver

[stuart]

"Slower, please" would be a useful addition to "Again, please"

[aurora.marie_x]

Useful expressions rather than single words are a real boost for me. Thanks

[henrybarnes]

0:13 – Let me know
0:27 – Let you know
0:37 – Let you all know
0:47 – Sorry, my mind has gone blank
1:08 – I don’t mind
1:20 – Have to put up with it
1:35 – Not yet (lip pattern
1:48 – That’s interesting (lip pattern
2:02 – Take my time
2:17 – I’m staying out of it
2:33 – Again, please
2:56 – Way over my head

[billymaude]

Hi Dan, I am a nurse who has had a few deaf patients in recently. The communication is challenging due to the mask..., so I decided to learn basic BSL. Your you tube clips are so easy to follow and helpful. Thank you

[bjcullen]

Really clear to see hand shape and sign from different angles, alongside facial expression and mouth pattern. Will definitely be using "sorry, my mind has gone blank!"

[Noonsal]

Honestly, I think the most useful sign for me has always been "(Sorry), Could you fingerspell it?" !!

[kierax]

i’m learning sign language so i am able to talk to my nephew who is deaf thank you for this!

[stephmorton]

I love these videos. I am self teaching myself to be inclusive in salon for my deaf clients. With covid, lip reading has become very difficult for the deaf community and I really want to do my part to make for a more comfortable experience in salon.

These videos are brilliant. I am slowly piecing phrases together to allow for consultation and basic chit chat with my clients who are deaf. I really love it but more importantly so do they ❤️

[BareAllTrueCrimePodcast]

Me and my fiance can now sign 'I'm staying out of it' when my family start arguing in front of us 😅

[BilliesCraftRoom]

This is awesome thanks so much, I knew the alphabet and when I was in retail learnt the phrases I most used. Helps so much, its such a shame basic BLS isn't taught in schools or preschools. Then no one would be left behind with communication

[MR-qppx]

Whilst taking care of my (hearing)toddler grandson i realised that signing was a great way for him to tell me what he wanted before he had full command of speech. E.g.. I'm hungry /I'm thirsty/I'm tired.... I was amazed at how relaxed it made him & he could say "I love you" before he could talk. Thankyou for this as I'd like to learn more. The BEST of it was that we learned together, so although I may not have got it perfectly, he understood ! I believe it gave us a real advantage as we could "talk" when others struggled to understand what little ones needed.

[appleplayz]

"I don't mind" and "not yet" are literally just life savers thank you so much

[ezmixyshx]

I find them all useful but I think “again, sorry” is a life saver because I’m only just learning and probably won’t pick up everything.

[JagBetty]

I’m learning because we have some deaf ladies who come to my bingo and as the caller it’s great to know some basic signs…..the ones I use the most are ‘hello how are you’, ‘ thank you’ and I also show them the letter F when there is a false call…I think it’s really brave of them to come to the bingo. Thanks for all the uploads it’s really helping me out😎👍

[lilianataylor]

Hi, I just wanted to say that I only found your channel a little while ago but all of your videos have helped me so much. They’re really clear and easy to understand.
I’ve wanted to learn BSL for a while now but never quite found the right videos but yours are perfect!

[spilledmilk_]

im going to try and use these expressions in my everyday life altho i dont know anyone that is deaf (including me). its just a useful skill for now :)

[TheAppleOfYahwehsEye]

Your signs are so clear & I love how you make it clear what lip shape/sound you should be making along with signs (as I’m hearing but learning BSL & I just end up saying the words I’m signing :/ lol)

[johnmorris]

Perfect all correct. Very well presented. It ought in schools so children learn sign language to add to writing, reading, listening, speaking all 5 instead of 4 what hearing people do. Deaf people love sign language and don’t understand why hearing people do not use sign language.

[scblacksheep]

i enjoy the expressions/phrases rather than the single words.. find them a bit more helpful, , and more likely to be used in conversation