Difference Between ASL and BSL: History, Fingerspelling and Culture

Sign languages help millions of people communicate and connect with others every day. American Sign Language is widely used in the United States and parts of Canada. British Sign Language is the most popular sign language used throughout the United Kingdom. Around 250,000 to 500,000 people use ASL. While about 151,000 people use BSL in the UK. Understanding the difference between ASL and BSL can help learners choose the right language and better understand Deaf communities.

Although both languages use signs, they developed separately over time. As a result, they follow different grammar rules, sentence structures and signing styles. Many everyday signs also look completely different. Each language also reflects its own culture, history and identity. 

Let’s explore the key contrasts between ASL and BSL.

Why is There a Difference Between ASL and BSL?

The two systems grew in different countries over many hundreds of years. Both systems use unique rules for your hands to create meaning. An American signer and a British signer cannot easily understand each other. They only share a few similar signs in their daily vocabulary. 

Both languages use different grammar and sentence rules. They also come from different cultures and different parts of the world. So, they do not work in the same way for users. You should treat them as two separate and unique languages. Each one has its own special history and strong identity. Learning about these differences helps us understand how languages grow and change.

How Does History Explain the Difference Between ASL and BSL?

Thomas Braidwood opened a famous school in Scotland way back in 1760. His family shared these British signs across the whole United Kingdom later. Then, a man named Thomas Gallaudet wanted help for Americans. He visited London to find teachers for his new school project. The surprising thing is that the British schools refused to share secrets. 

Instead, Gallaudet went to France to find a better teacher for his students. He met a man named Laurent Clerc in Paris. They brought French signs back to America and started a school. So, ASL actually follows a French style of signing today. Similarly, BSL stayed independent and grew its own unique British way. 

Why are the Manual Alphabets So Different?

ASL uses a one-handed alphabet, which makes spelling faster and simpler. On the other hand, BSL uses a two-handed alphabet with finger-based vowels. Because of this, both systems look very different. British signers often use one hand to mark vowels on the other. Meanwhile, ASL uses separate hand shapes for each letter. This difference makes spelling in ASL and BSL look completely different from each other.

• Hand usage: ASL is a one-handed system, while BSL uses two hands for spelling.
• Historical origins: ASL is related to French signs, but BSL is a British original.
• Vocabulary: The two languages share fewer than 30% of the same words.
• Alphabet style: BSL signers use their palms and fingers to show vowels clearly.

Is the Grammar Order Different in These Languages?

Sentence rules show another major factor between ASL and BSL grammar. Both languages ignore the order of spoken English words entirely. Actually, ASL users often follow a “Topic-Comment” style for their sentences. This means you sign the main subject before you sign the action. But BSL uses its own unique logic for spatial mapping instead. 

Specifically, you place objects in the air to set visual scenes. Honestly, your eyebrows act like punctuation marks for every single sign. The position of your body shows who is currently speaking. So, you must learn to think visually for every conversation you have. Anyway, mastering the grammar takes a lot of regular practice time.

How Many People Use These Sign Languages Today?

Learning about the number of users helps us see the scale of these communities. Around 250,000 to 500,000 people use ASL in North America. While about 151,000 people use BSL across the United Kingdom. Understanding the size of each group can help learners choose the right path. 

Truthfully, millions of people study ASL in American colleges every year. But BSL is the primary language for the Deaf community in Britain. So, your choice of language depends on where you live today. Anyway, each group has its own special traditions and unique jokes. Overall, these differences make every community very proud and strong. You should stick to the system used in your own city.

Why Do Numbers Look Different In ASL And BSL?

Counting in ASL and BSL is different. ASL uses one hand to count up to ten, changing hand direction for numbers after five. In contrast, BSL often uses both hands for larger numbers. Each system has its own clear way of showing digits, so learners should follow the local style.

Why is BSL the Best Choice for UK Students?

Living in the United Kingdom makes BSL the best choice for you. Most Deaf people in Britain only use the British system daily. So, ASL skills will not help you during local meetings or events. But BSL is the primary language for UK schools and hospitals now. Truthfully, learning local signs helps you find many new friends quickly. 

So, you will feel more at home in your own community. Anyway, focusing on BSL ensures that people understand you every single day. Overall, this choice shows respect for the local British culture. You should join a local class today to start.

Can American and British Signers Understand Each Other?

A British signer and an American signer may struggle to communicate. They share only a few similar signs. Both languages use different grammar, rules and sentence structures. They also come from different cultures and histories. 

So, they work like separate languages. Each one has its own identity and system. Learning this helps us respect Deaf communities and their diversity.

• Mutual Understanding: Signers from the UK and the USA cannot easily converse.
• Sentence Rules: ASL uses Topic-Comment, while BSL uses spatial mapping.
• Counting: ASL is a one-handed number system; BSL often uses two hands.
• Visual Logic: Both use the space around the body to tell complex stories.

How Does the Difference Between ASL and BSL Affect Spelling?

Spelling names involves different hand counts in both of these systems. At first, BSL spelling looks more active to many observers. It requires both hands to work together for every single letter. But ASL fingerspelling uses one hand only in North America. This style allows ASL users to sign while moving quite quickly. 

In truth, both languages use spelling for new English words or names. Also, signers often give each other special sign names for fun. This sign represents your personality without spelling your whole name every time. Anyway, mastering the alphabet is a very important first step for beginners.

What Role Do Facial Expressions Play in Signing?

Your face helps people understand the true meaning of your signs. Actually, facial expressions act like the tone of your spoken voice. If you look happy, the sign feels happy to the viewer. But if you look seriously, the meaning of the sign changes. Specifically, your eyebrows work like punctuation marks for every sentence. 

They show if you are asking a question or making a statement. Honestly, signing without expressions is like reading a very robotic book. It makes the conversation very boring for the listener to follow. You should practise your expressions in a mirror every morning. This helps your face become more active and expressive during talk.

Why is BSL Officially Recognised in Britain?

BSL gained official recognition in 2003 in the UK. This was a major win for Deaf people. Today, BSL interpreters appear on TV and many schools and hospitals support it. This recognition shows BSL is a real and important language. It also helps protect it for future generations. Learning even a few signs can build confidence and open a new way to communicate.

• Legal recognition: BSL became an official UK language in 2003.
• Media presence: You can see BSL on the BBC and other news channels.
• Community pride: Official status helps the Deaf community feel respected.
• Support services: Recognition led to more interpreters in hospitals and courts.

How Can a Beginner Start Learning?

Starting your signing journey is a very exciting step to take. Actually, you can find many local classes in your city easily. Most colleges offer beginner courses for a very small fee. Then, you can practise your hand shapes with new friends. But you must stay consistent with your practice every single week. 

Also, watching videos online helps you see the signs clearly. So, do not be afraid to make small mistakes daily. Truthfully, native signers are very happy to help new students learn. Anyway, picking up a few signs each day builds your confidence. Overall, you will discover a whole new way of talking. Start today and enjoy the beauty of visual communication.

Final Thoughts

So, not all sign languages are the same, even if they look similar. The difference between ASL and BSL shows in their grammar, vocabulary and hand movements. ASL is widely used in North America, while BSL is used in the UK. Each has its own cultural background. Knowing the difference helps learners communicate better and avoid misunderstandings.

FAQs

1. Is it better to learn ASL or BSL

• It depends on your country and ASL fits North America and BSL fits the UK

2. Can ASL users understand BSL

• No, ASL users cannot understand BSL because both use different signs and grammar

3. Which is harder BSL or ASL

• Neither is harder; it depends on practice and exposure

4. Does the UK use ASL or BSL

• The UK mainly uses BSL as its sign language

5. Why was BSL banned in the UK

• BSL was not banned but it was discouraged in some schools

6. How do you say poo in BSL

• BSL has a sign for it but it is informal and context-based.

7. How do you say fart in BSL

• BSL has a sign for it but it is used in casual situations

8. What is the 3 to 3 poop rule

• It is not an official rule and not part of standard BSL teaching

9. What is the polite way to say faeces

• The polite words are ‘stool’ or ‘bowel movement’.