Thanks in Sign Language – Video & Image Included

Sign

Today, we will learn how to say “thanks” in sign language. It is one of the words you commonly encounter when learning sign language.

Although there are different sign languages, we will only talk about British Sign Language (BSL) today. If you are learning BSL for the first time, it is the language used in Great Britain by the deaf and hard of hearing communities.

So let’s begin.

Thanks in Sign Language

Before we start, you should understand that BSL does not use the alphabet or numbers in the same way as other sign languages, such as American Sign Language or ASL.

For example, the vowels in BSL are formed using your thumb and four fingers, and the rest of the alphabet is primarily formed using two hands. However, ASL’s vowels and the rest of the alphabet are signed with just one hand.

With that said, let’s get back to our main discussion: how to say “Thanks” in BSL?

First, please check out the video presented below:

Now, please follow the steps given below:

BSL tutor in normal posture

1. Start with a normal posture.

BSL tutor with right hand on his mouth

2. Now put your hand on your face like in the picture above.

3. Say the word ‘Thanks’ while you’re signing.

Conclusion

So that’s how we sign “thanks” in British Sign Language. To learn sign language, you must practice regularly by conversing with others. To make conversation, you need people to interact with. There is a local Deaf community in most towns and cities. Attend meetups and hang out with sign language experts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Thanks and Please?

In many BSL dialects, the hand movement is identical! The difference lies entirely in your lip pattern. To distinguish them, you must mouth the word Thanks or Please clearly while performing the sign.

Does the sign for Thanks change for Thank you very much?

To show deep gratitude, you can use both hands simultaneously, moving them both outward from your chin at once. Pair this with an enthusiastic facial expression and a slight bow or nod of the head.

How do you sign Thanks to a group of people?

Instead of signing once, you can move your hand in a sweeping arc from your chin toward the whole group. This directional signing indicates that your gratitude is directed at everyone present.