Many people think ASL and BSL are the same. However, they are different sign languages. Understanding the difference between ASL and BSL can help you choose the right one to learn. American Sign Language (ASL) is mainly used in the United States and Canada. British Sign Language (BSL) is used in the UK. They have different signs, grammar and fingerspelling. In fact, they share fewer than 30% of their signs. 

In this article, you will learn the main differences between ASL and BSL in easy and simple words. 

What is ASL?

ASL stands for American Sign Language. It is a natural sign language. People use hand signs, facial expressions, and body movements to communicate. ASL has its own grammar and rules. It is not the same as spoken or written English.

People mainly use ASL in the United States and Canada. It is one of the most common sign languages in the world. Millions of Deaf and hard-of-hearing people use ASL every day. Family members, friends, teachers, interpreters and students also learn it. This helps them communicate with Deaf people more easily.

You may also see ASL online. In text messages or on social media, it can mean “Age, Sex, Location” or “as hell.” However, when people talk about sign language, ASL almost always means American Sign Language.

What is BSL?

BSL stands for British Sign Language. It is a natural sign language. People use hand signs, facial expressions and body movements to communicate. BSL has its own grammar and rules. It is different from spoken and written English.

People mainly use BSL in the United Kingdom. This includes England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is the first or main language for many Deaf people. Around 150,000 people use BSL in the UK. About 87,000 Deaf people use it as their first or preferred language. Many hearing people also learn BSL.

Family members, friends, teachers, interpreters, healthcare workers and support workers use BSL too. They learn it to communicate better with Deaf people. As a result, BSL helps people understand each other and stay connected.

What Is the Difference Between ASL And BSL?

The difference between ASL and BSL is easy to understand. Both are sign languages, but they are not the same. They use different signs, different grammar, and different hand alphabets. So, a person who knows ASL may not understand BSL. The same is true for a BSL user. Learning these differences can help you choose the right sign language.

ASL vs BSL: Key Differences At a Glance

Feature ASL (American Sign Language) BSL (British Sign Language)
Origin Started in the United States. Started in the United Kingdom.
Where It Is Used United States and Canada. England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Hand Alphabet Uses one hand. Uses two hands.
Grammar Has its own grammar. Has its own grammar.
Fingerspelling Uses one hand to spell words. Uses two hands to spell words.
Sentence Structure Uses ASL word order. Uses BSL word order.
Facial Expressions Uses facial expressions to add meaning. Also uses facial expressions to add meaning.
Signs Many signs are different from BSL. Many signs are different from ASL.
Numbers Uses its own number signs. Uses different number signs.
Learning Easy with regular practice. Also easy with regular practice. The two-hand alphabet may take more time to learn.

Both ASL and BSL are complete sign languages. They help people communicate every day. Neither one is better than the other. The best choice depends on where you live and the people you want to communicate with.

How are ASL and BSL Different in Fingerspelling?

One of the biggest differences between ASL and BSL is fingerspelling. People use fingerspelling to spell names, places, and words that do not have their own sign. Both languages use fingerspelling, but they do it in different ways.

ASL uses one hand to spell the alphabet. Each letter has its own hand shape. People can spell words with one hand. Many learners find this system easy to understand. For example, if you want to spell the word CAT, you make the signs for C, A, and T with one hand.

BSL uses two hands to spell the alphabet. One hand stays in one position, and the other hand helps make each letter. At first, this may seem harder. However, it becomes easier with regular practice. To spell CAT, you use both hands to make the letters C, A, and T.

This is one of the easiest ways to see the difference between ASL and BSL. If someone spells words with one hand, they are likely using ASL. If they use two hands, they are likely using BSL.

How Does Grammar Differ Between ASL and BSL?

Grammar is another big difference between ASL and BSL. Both languages have their own grammar rules. They do not follow English grammar. So, the same sentence can look very different. The word order is not the same. In ASL, people often show the topic first. Then they add more details. In BSL, the words may come in a different order.

The sentence structure is also different. ASL follows its own rules, and BSL follows its own. Because of this, you cannot translate every sign word by word.

Both languages use facial expressions to ask questions. For example, people may raise their eyebrows or change their facial expression. They also use time signs in different places. ASL often shows the time at the beginning of a sentence.

Both languages also have signs for “no,” “not,” and “don’t.” However, they use different signs and grammar. With regular practice, these grammar rules become much easier to learn.

Should You Learn ASL or BSL?

The best sign language depends on your needs. Think about where you live, your goals, and the people around you.

  • Where You Live: If you live in the United States or Canada, learn ASL. If you live in the United Kingdom, learn BSL.
  • Your Job: Many jobs in healthcare, education, and customer support value sign language skills. Learn the language that people use in your area.
  • Your Studies: If your school or course teaches ASL or BSL, choose that one. This will make learning easier.
  • Family and Friends: If a family member or friend uses ASL or BSL, learn the same language. It will help you communicate better.
  • Travel Plans: If you plan to visit the US or Canada, ASL will help you more. If you plan to visit the UK, BSL is the better choice.

Choose the sign language that fits your life. With regular practice, you will build your skills and feel more confident.

How Does Learning Sign Language Benefit You? 

Learning sign language gives you many benefits. It helps you connect with more people and learn a valuable new skill. Here are some of the biggest benefits:

  • Better Communication: You can talk with Deaf and hard-of-hearing people more easily. This helps you build stronger relationships.
  • More Job Opportunities: Sign language is useful in healthcare, education, customer service, and many other jobs. It can also make your CV stronger.
  • Better Accessibility: Sign language helps make schools, workplaces, and public places more welcoming for everyone.
  • Better Brain Skills: Learning sign language can improve your memory, focus, and problem-solving skills. It also keeps your mind active.
  • More Social Inclusion: Sign language helps everyone feel included. It brings people together and helps build a kinder and more understanding community.

Can People Understand Each Other Across Different Sign Languages?

Many people think all sign languages are the same. However, that is not true. ASL users and BSL users may understand a few simple signs, but they cannot have an easy conversation. Some signs for common things, such as “car,” may look similar. However, many everyday words are different. For example, people in the UK say “biscuit,” while people in the US say “cookie.” The signs are different too. 

The same is true for words like “trousers” and “pants.” Many signs are different in ASL and BSL. Even signs for feelings can look different. Because of this, ASL and BSL users may not understand each other easily. They may need to sign more slowly or explain what they mean. Although both are sign languages, they are different languages with their own signs and rules. 

How Many Sign Languages Are There Around the World?

Many people believe there is only one sign language. However, the world has more than 300 sign languages. Most countries have their own sign language. Some countries even use more than one. Sign language changes as people and communities change over time.

Different places also have different ways of signing. For example, signs in London may not be the same as signs in Glasgow. Some groups create their own signs to match their culture and daily life. In the United States, Black ASL is one example of a unique sign language variety. Young people also create new signs for modern words and social media. These changes make sign languages richer and more useful. They also show the history, culture and identity of each Deaf community.

Which Sign Language Should You Learn in the UK?

If you live in the United Kingdom, BSL is the best sign language to learn. It is the language that most Deaf people use across the UK. Learning BSL will help you communicate with local people at school, work, and in your community.

Many schools, colleges, and training centres in the UK teach BSL. It also helps you understand British Deaf culture and everyday life. If you want to improve your skills, practise a little every day. Learn the two-handed alphabet, watch videos from British Deaf creators, and join a local BSL class or practice group. Do not forget to use facial expressions because they are an important part of BSL. Small steps every day will help you become more confident and communicate better.

Why Do Some ASL and BSL Signs Look Similar? 

Yes, similar signs can sometimes cause confusion. Some ASL and BSL signs may look alike, but they have different meanings. This can be confusing, especially for beginners. A sign that means one thing in ASL may mean something else in BSL.

Be careful when you watch sign language videos online. Many YouTube and social media videos teach ASL, not BSL. If you want to learn BSL in the UK, always check which sign language the teacher is using. This will help you learn the right signs and avoid mistakes. Learning from a qualified BSL teacher or a local class is also a good idea. They can explain the small differences and help you use the correct signs with confidence.

Final Thoughts

The difference between ASL and BSL is easy to understand once you learn the basics. Both are complete sign languages, but they use different signs, grammar and fingerspelling. The best language for you depends on where you live and who you want to communicate with. If you live in the US or Canada, choose ASL. If you live in the UK, choose BSL. Most importantly, learning any sign language helps you connect with more people. It helps you feel more confident and communicate better with others. 

FAQs

1. Is it better to learn ASL or BSL?

  • It depends on where you live and who you want to communicate with. Learn ASL if you live in the US or Canada. Learn BSL if you live in the UK.

2. Can ASL users understand BSL?

  • Not usually. ASL and BSL are different languages. They have different signs, grammar, and fingerspelling. However, users may recognise a few simple signs.

3. Why was BSL banned in the UK?

  • BSL was not banned by law. However, many schools stopped children from using it after the 1880 Milan Conference. They encouraged speech and lip reading instead. Today, BSL is legally recognised in the UK.

4. Can an ASL speaker understand BSL?

  • Not without learning it. An ASL user may understand a few basic signs, but they cannot easily follow a full BSL conversation.

5. Does the UK use ASL or BSL?

  • The UK uses British Sign Language (BSL). It is the main sign language used by many Deaf people across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

6. How do you say poo in BSL?

  • There is a BSL sign for “poo,” but it is best to learn it from a qualified BSL teacher or a trusted BSL video. This helps you use the correct sign.

7. How do I say “I’m sorry” in BSL?

  • In BSL, people use a sign for “sorry” along with facial expressions. Learning it from a BSL teacher or a trusted video will help you use it correctly.

8. Do more people use ASL or BSL?

  • Yes. More people use ASL than BSL. Millions of people use ASL in the United States, Canada, and other countries. Around 150,000 people use BSL in the UK.