ASL vs. BSL - Differences and Similarities

Learning a new sign language is challenging. Choosing between American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) can add to the confusion. 

Many people believe that ASL and BSL are branches of the same sign language. 

This misconception lies in the fact that American English and British English are two variants of the English language, with slight differences in spelling and pronunciation.

It goes without saying that both ASL and BSL are unique and important. But, they are different sign languages with distinct signs and grammar. 

For example, ASL uses a one-handed alphabet, while BSL uses a two-handed alphabet. There are many more differences between these two sign languages. 

In this ASL vs. BSL article, we'll break down the key differences between these two sign languages. 

Manual Alphabet 

The first and most important difference between ASL and BSL is the manual alphabet. 

When you start learning sign language, the first lesson typically involves learning how to sign the alphabet. This is very important as it builds the foundation for the entire learning process.

ASL uses a one-handed manual alphabet, while BSL uses a two-handed manual alphabet.

ASL Manual Alphabet 

American Sign Language uses a one-handed manual alphabet. 

This means that all the letters of the alphabet are represented by distinct hand shapes. Every letter can be formed using just one hand. 

This system is efficient and allows for faster fingerspelling. It's often used when signing names, technical terms, or words without dedicated signs.

BSL Manual Alphabet

British Sign Language employs a two-handed manual alphabet. 

Both hands are used together to form the shapes for each letter. This system makes the spelling process visually distinct from ASL. 

Those who don't know this two-handed system may find learning sign language more difficult. But it's a standard part of BSL communication.

Language Structure and Grammar

Another important difference between BSL and ASL is the language structure and grammar.

Since these two sign languages are completely different, they have their own set of unique grammar rules. 

Both ASL and BSL use non-manual markers, including:

• Facial expressions
• Head movements
• Body language

These markers indicate grammatical features such as tone, questions, and negation. But, ASL and BSL differ in how these non-manual markers are applied.

ASL Grammar

The grammar of ASL is quite different from that spoken English. It was actually influenced by French Sign Language (FSL).

It often follows a topic-comment structure. In this structure, the subject or object of the sentence is introduced first. The comment or action comes next. 

For example, in ASL, the sentence "I'm going to the store" might be structured as "Store I go." 

ASL also uses facial expressions and body language to convey tone and grammatical nuances. This is especially useful for questions or emphasis.

ASL does not have specific verb conjugations to indicate tense. In spoken English, verbs change depending on the past, present, or future. 

Instead, ASL uses time indicators placed at the beginning of a sentence. Doing this establishes when the action is happening. 

For example, to say, "I went to the store yesterday," you would sign "Yesterday store I go." The word "yesterday" sets the time frame, and the verb remains in its base form.

BSL Grammar

BSL typically follows a subject-object-verb (SOV) structure. 

For example, "I am going to the store" would be signed as "I store go." 

Just like ASL, BSL includes non-manual features like facial expressions for questions or emphasis. But its grammatical rules differ from both spoken English and ASL.

In BSL, wh-questions are indicated by furrowing the eyebrows. But, instead of using raised eyebrows for yes/no questions, BSL signers may rely more on signing space and intonation. This conveys emphasis or tone.

BSL also lacks traditional verb conjugation. 

But it often indicates tense by using specific time signs ("yesterday" or "tomorrow") placed early in the sentence, much like ASL. 

However, BSL may also use modifying gestures to suggest continuous or repeated actions. They function like verb tenses in English but without altering the verb itself.

This approach is slightly different from ASL's time-based tense system.

Vocabulary

ASL and BSL vocabulary is significantly different.

ASL and BSL have different vocabularies and signs for many concepts. Only about 30% of ASL and BSL signs overlap. 

ASL Vocabulary

While ASL is influenced by English, its vocabulary is derived in part from French Sign Language (FSL).

ASL signs often bear little resemblance to the English words they represent. This makes ASL a completely separate language with its own lexicon. 

The influence of French Sign Language comes from its early introduction in US Deaf schools, particularly by French educator Laurent Clerc.

BSL Vocabulary

BSL developed independently within the UK. That's why its vocabulary is entirely different from ASL. 

Signs in BSL are unique and often closely related to the visual or cultural environment of the UK Deaf community. 

Despite being used in English-speaking countries, BSL signs do not necessarily match English vocabulary either. 

They follow their own linguistic rules.

Cultural and Historical Roots

Naturally, British Sign Language and American Sign Language have different origins.

History and Culture of ASL

ASL has deep roots in French Sign Language (FSL). 

It was brought to the United States in the early 19th century by French educators like Laurent Clerc. 

ASL evolved through a combination of FSL and the existing sign systems of American Deaf communities.

Its development reflects the growth of Deaf culture in the US, which values visual communication and Deaf identity.

History and Culture of BSL

BSL evolved within the UK independently.

It developed out of sign systems used by Deaf communities in British schools and homes. 

BSL has a rich history tied to the UK's Deaf culture and traditions, making it unique. 

BSL reflects the values and experiences of British Deaf communities. It has no direct influence from French or American sign languages.

Fingerspelling

Another key difference between BSL and ASL is fingerspelling.

Fingerspelling is the use of hand shapes to represent individual letters of the alphabet in sign language. 

It's commonly used in many sign languages. This includes American Sign Language and British Sign Language.

Fingerspelling is mainly used when a sign doesn't exist for a word. It's also used when a word isn't commonly used in the sign language vocabulary. 

Fingerspelling in ASL

ASL uses a one-handed fingerspelling system. 

Each letter of the alphabet is represented by a single hand shape. This makes it practical for quick spelling of:

• Names
• Places
• Brands
• Technical terms
• Acronyms and initials 
• Words that don't have a corresponding sign

Fingerspelling in BSL

BSL uses a two-handed fingerspelling system. 

The left hand forms the "base" for certain letters. The right hand manipulates or interacts with the left to form the rest of the letters. 

This system is unique to BSL. 

It can take longer to learn for those unfamiliar with it, but it's an integral part of British Deaf communication.

Geographical Use and Recognition

Finally, ASL and BSL differ in where they're used.

Geographical Spread of ASL

American Sign Language is primarily used in the United States and parts of Canada. 

ASL does share some influence with sign languages used in neighboring countries. But, it's largely isolated to North America.

ASL speakers typically can't understand BSL or other sign languages. They would have to study those sign languages separately. 

Geographical Spread of BSL

British Sign Language is predominantly used in the United Kingdom. 

It has influenced and been influenced by other European sign languages. 

But like ASL, it's unique and not mutually intelligible with sign languages from other regions. This includes American Sign Language.

Learning ASL with ASL Bloom

If you're interested in learning American Sign Language, you need a good learning app.

While there are many ASL apps to choose from, we recommend using the ASL Bloom app. 

ASL Bloom offers a fun, easy-to-use way to learn American Sign Language from scratch. You don't need any prior knowledge to start learning.

Here's what installing the app gets you:

1. 20 modules 
2. 120 lessons and 1300+ signs and sentences
3. A visual dictionary with all signs across the lessons
4. Quizzes and dialogues
5. Grammar and culture tips

We understand the need for interactive learning that keeps you motivated. That's why our app includes a streak you can collect with each daily lesson.

Just one lesson per day lets you grow your streak, not to mention improve your ASL knowledge.

ASL isn't only for members of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community. You can also learn ASL if you need it for your studies, work, or just want to learn this sign language.

What's also great about ASL Bloom is that it's free. You can download it right now on your Android or iPhone device and start learning today.

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