How to Fingerspell Y in British Sign Language (BSL)
Sign
This guide explains how the English letter Y is represented in the British Sign Language (BSL) fingerspelling alphabet. It covers BSL rather than American Sign Language (ASL), which uses a different alphabet and a different handshape for Y.
BSL is a complete visual-spatial natural language with its own grammar and vocabulary. It is not simply a collection of gestures or a manually coded form of spoken English. The standard BSL fingerspelling alphabet uses two hands, although individual BSL signs may use one or both hands.
Important: this page is an educational introduction, not a substitute for instruction from a qualified Deaf BSL teacher. For the definitive visual demonstration, use Signature, the UK awarding body for BSL and other communication qualifications, and its BSL resources. A moving demonstration is more reliable than a written description for learning handshape, orientation, movement and contact.
What does fingerspelling mean?
Fingerspelling represents the letters of a written alphabet with manual letter forms. In BSL, it is commonly used to introduce or clarify names, places, abbreviations and unfamiliar words. It can also help when a signer does not know the established BSL sign for a term.
Fingerspelling an English word is not the same as producing a lexical BSL sign. A lexical sign carries meaning as part of BSL vocabulary, whereas fingerspelling represents a sequence of English letters. In an ordinary BSL conversation, signers use BSL vocabulary and grammar rather than fingerspelling every word.
For a broader introduction, see our guides to the British Sign Language alphabet and what fingerspelling is.
How to fingerspell Y in BSL
The letter Y is formed with both hands in the standard BSL fingerspelling alphabet. One hand acts as the base hand while the index finger of the other hand indicates the relevant part of the base hand.
Because small differences in contact point and orientation matter, learn the completed form directly from Signature’s current alphabet chart or demonstration rather than relying on prose alone. In Signature’s Y form, the pointing index finger makes contact with the thumb area of the open base hand. It should not be positioned vaguely in the gap between the thumb and index finger.
Right-handed formation
- Choose a comfortable, well-lit position where both hands and your face are visible.
- Use your left hand as the open base hand and your right hand as the pointing hand.
- Hold the base hand upright in the orientation shown in Signature’s alphabet demonstration.
- Extend the right index finger and bring it to the thumb area of the base hand, matching the demonstrated contact point.
- Hold the completed letter steadily and clearly without adding an unnecessary movement.
Left-handed formation
A left-handed signer generally mirrors the formation: the right hand becomes the base hand and the left index finger becomes the pointing finger. Mirroring changes which hand performs each role, not the identity of the letter. Check the form against an authoritative demonstration and, where possible, ask a qualified Deaf BSL teacher to correct your production.
Do not try to copy a right-handed signer by twisting your hands into the same left-to-right arrangement on the screen. Mirror the hand roles naturally. Remember that a person facing you appears reversed, much like a mirror image.
Handedness and consistency
Choose whichever dominant hand feels natural, then remain consistent while fingerspelling a word or phrase. Unnecessary switching can make the spelling difficult to follow. This does not mean that a left-handed form is wrong: left- and right-handed signers can produce equivalent mirrored forms.
If you are watching a demonstration, first identify the model’s dominant hand. Then decide whether you need to mirror the action. Pausing a video at the completed letter can help you compare:
- which hand is open;
- which index finger points;
- where the fingertip makes contact;
- which way the base hand is oriented; and
- whether you have added movement that is not present in the model.
Common mistakes to avoid
Pointing into the gap between the fingers
Do not interpret the Y form as pointing vaguely between the base hand’s thumb and index finger. Compare your handshape with Signature’s visual model and place the pointing finger at the demonstrated thumb contact area.
Using the ASL handshape
ASL and BSL are distinct languages with different fingerspelling systems. Search results for “Y in sign language” often show the one-handed ASL letter, but that is not the standard BSL form. Make sure any chart or video you use is explicitly labelled BSL.
Switching the dominant hand midway
Either handedness is acceptable, but repeatedly changing roles while spelling can be confusing to watch. Keep the same dominant and base-hand roles throughout the word unless a qualified teacher gives a specific reason to do otherwise.
Mouthing or saying every letter
Form the manual letter clearly; do not vocalise or mouth each individual letter as you fingerspell. Mouth patterns and other non-manual features form part of BSL and should be learned in context from a qualified BSL teacher. They are not created by simply pronouncing every written letter.
Adding a fixed smile
Keep your face visible, but do not add a beaming smile as a rule. Facial expression, head position and other non-manual features can convey grammatical, emotional and contextual information in BSL. Use an expression appropriate to the conversation and learn these features alongside the relevant language.
Holding the hands out of view
Good visibility helps the other person follow your spelling. Face them, avoid covering your hands and use adequate lighting. Aim for clear, natural production rather than exaggerated or forceful movement.
A practical way to check your Y
Use a three-part check: roles, contact and orientation. First, confirm which hand is the base and which index finger points. Second, check that the fingertip contacts the thumb area shown in the authoritative model. Third, compare the direction of the base hand and the overall shape with the same model.
Record yourself from the viewpoint of a conversation partner rather than looking only at your own hands. Play the recording back slowly and compare it with Signature’s demonstration. This can reveal accidental hand switching, poor visibility or an incorrect contact point. A recording supports practice, but personal feedback from a qualified Deaf BSL teacher remains the best way to correct subtle errors.
Frequently asked questions
Is Y the same in BSL and ASL?
No. BSL and ASL are different languages and use different fingerspelling alphabets. The BSL letter Y uses two hands; the ASL letter Y uses one hand.
Is all of BSL two-handed?
No. The standard BSL fingerspelling alphabet is two-handed, but BSL vocabulary includes both one-handed and two-handed signs.
Should I say Y aloud while signing it?
No. Do not make a habit of vocalising or mouthing each letter. Concentrate on producing the manual letter clearly and learn appropriate BSL mouth patterns and non-manual features from a qualified teacher.
Can a left-handed person fingerspell Y?
Yes. A left-handed signer can use the mirrored form, with the opposite hands taking the base and pointing roles. Consistency and clarity matter more than choosing the right hand as dominant.
Where can I verify the handshape?
Use Signature’s current BSL resources and alphabet demonstration. The National Deaf Children’s Society’s introduction to BSL also provides useful language context. For individual correction and broader language learning, study with a qualified Deaf BSL teacher.
Summary
To fingerspell Y in BSL, use the two-handed form shown by Signature: an open base hand and the other hand’s index finger contacting the demonstrated thumb area. Mirror the roles if you are left-handed, keep your chosen dominant hand consistent and do not mouth every individual letter. Most importantly, treat the letter as one small part of a complete visual-spatial language and learn it through a reliable moving model with qualified teaching.