Sign
R in Sign Language – Video & Image Included
Today we’ll learn the letter R in sign language. We’ll also discuss the differences between the sign language alphabet and the alphabet used in spoken language, as we’re talking about letters.
Also, there are differences among sign language families. The R alphabet used in American Sign Language, also known as ASL, is different from the “R in sign language in the UK”. The ASL R also requires a one-handed sign. However, this is not the case with BSL. Both hands must be used to do it.
However, the difficulty of sign language does not connect with the number of hands, and this is also true for BSL. It’s easy to learn the BSL for the letter R.
But first, let us introduce the concept of “finger spelling” to you so that you can learn how to fingerspell any other letter of the alphabet.
After that, we’ll move on to our main topic.
Fingerspelling
The concepts of sign language letters, the sign language alphabet, and fingerspelling may be familiar to you if you are a member of the deaf community or have interacted with deaf people. One of the first things you’ll learn when learning sign language is the fingerspelling alphabet.
The art of fingerspelling teaches you how to sign your name on a letter. Several hand gestures are used to spell words or specific letters in this approach. The idea of the letter R is closely related to this one.
Similar to how we spell the alphabet in spoken languages, sign languages also use hand gestures to represent the letter R. Some proper nouns, like names of people, don’t have any related signs. This is where we use the sign language alphabet to spell out things like people’s names.
Sign language requires the use of finger spelling. They are excellent for communicating because of their versatility.
However, as we already discussed, BSL sign letters are two-handed. That means that you’ll be communicating with both hands. Therefore, we will use both of our hands to fingerspell BSL. The main gestures are controlled by your dominant hand, and the supporting gestures are supported by your non-dominant hand. The base hand is another name for the non-dominant hand. Never sign with anything other than your dominant hand. If you do that, your words will become meaningless.
So let’s begin with the BSL alphabet sign for the letter R.
R in Sign Language Alphabet
We have an entire high-quality video on how to do the R sign with fingers. Please watch it first.
Please follow the guidelines we’ve given below.
- Start with a normal posture.
- Bend the index finger of your right hand and place it on the left hand.
- While doing the sign, you can pronounce the letter verbally if you’re able.
Conclusion
So, that’s how we sign R in British Sign Language. Another thing to keep in mind is always having a lovely smile. People are more likely to connect when they smile. Smiles have the same impact on any type of discussion as speaking verbally. The same goes for nonverbal communication, such as sign language. Check that the person you are interacting with can see you clearly. If the signer’s gestures are not clear, anyone can easily misunderstand the message. It can also offend them. For two-handed sign languages like BSL, this is especially true. So, in this case, take your time. Regular practice is necessary if you want to learn the sign because failing to do so increases the chance that you will forget it.
What to Read Next: