British Sign Language Vs American Sign Language

Alright, let’s get one thing straight from the start: British Sign Language (BSL) and American Sign Language (ASL) are not the same thing. I know, it sounds like they should be, right? After all, we’re both speaking English... sort of. But when it comes to signing, we’re practically having two different conversations.

Imagine you’re ordering a coffee in London. You might sign “coffee” by making a circle with your hand, like you’re grinding beans. Pretty straightforward. Now hop over to New York. That same circle gesture? In ASL, it might mean “restroom” or even something a bit more cheeky. Oops! You just asked for a latte and got pointed to the loo. Awkward.

Why are they so different, anyway?

It all comes down to history. ASL actually has French roots, not British ones. A deaf French educator named Laurent Clerc brought French Sign Language to America in the 1800s. That’s why ASL and French Sign Language share about 60% of signs, while BSL and ASL share less than 30%.

BSL, on the other hand, developed from old British sign systems and has its own grammar, order, and quirks. So even though the UK and the US speak the same spoken language, their sign languages are completely separate. It’s like comparing fish and chips to a hot dog—both are foods, but you wouldn’t swap them.

Daily life examples that make you smile

Let’s take the number “two.” In BSL, you hold up your index and middle fingers, palm out. In ASL, you do the same, but palm in. That little twist changes the meaning entirely in some contexts. Imagine trying to order two sandwiches and accidentally signing “peace” or “victory” instead.

Here’s another one: “thank you.” In BSL, you touch your chin with an open hand and move it forward, like a little kiss blown to the universe. In ASL, you touch your lips and then move your hand down, palm out. Both are lovely, but if you mix them up, you might look like you’re blowing a kiss to a stranger or waving goodbye to a cashier. Awkward, but also kind of hilarious.

Difference Between Asl And Auslan at Leroy Olson blog

Why should you care?

Maybe you’re not deaf, and maybe you’ve never signed a single word. But here’s the thing: the world is getting smaller. You meet people online, travel more, or even have a deaf coworker. Knowing that BSL and ASL are different can save you from a really embarrassing moment.

Plus, it’s a fun party trick. Imagine telling your friends, “Did you know that ‘sorry’ in BSL is a fist rubbing a circle on your chest?” Then show them the ASL version (a fist circling over your heart). Suddenly, you’re the cool language nerd everyone wants to hang out with.

A little story to bring it home

My friend Sarah is hearing but learned a bit of ASL in college. She visited London and tried to ask a deaf British barista for a “to-go cup.” She used the ASL sign (two hands shaping a cup and moving forward). The barista stared at her, then signed back, confused. Turns out, in BSL, that gesture means “I’m drowning.” The barista thought she was having a medical emergency!

ASL vs BSL | Side by Side Comparison | American Sign Language and

They both laughed it off, but Sarah now carries a little phrasebook. She says it’s the best icebreaker she’s ever had. So, learn the difference—not just to be accurate, but to connect with people in a way that’s warm, human, and a little bit goofy.

The takeaway? Be curious, not perfect.

You don’t need to master either language overnight. Just knowing that BSL and ASL are cousins, not siblings is enough. When you meet someone who signs, ask politely which version they use. It shows respect and opens a door to a real conversation.

And if you mess up? Laugh it off. Deaf communities are some of the most forgiving and joyful groups out there. They know that learning is messy, and they appreciate the effort. So go ahead—wave a hand, try a sign, and maybe just blow a kiss instead of a goodbye.

After all, the best thing about sign language isn’t the signs themselves. It’s the connection you make. And that, my friend, is universal.