BSL Basics: How to Sign the Alphabet and Your Name in British Sign Language

Learn the alphabet and how to introduce yourself in British Sign Language (BSL). In this video, we show you both right and left handed versions of the BSL alphabet from two different angles.
Did you understand the woman's name at the end of the video? Let us know in the comments if you got it.
Quick reference guide:
1:01 Right handed (front view)
2:15 Right handed (signer point of view)
3:31 Left handed (front view)
4:49 Left handed (signer point of view)
6:12 How to sign "My name is"
7:19 What's her name?
Thanks for watching! ✋

[@flying_pig_girl]

God i got so excited when i put together the name

[@muffin5555]

Sameee

[@naominathanson-parry1677]

Yeah, im so happy rn

[@e.b.4379]

TIP: all vowels are on one hand, with A starting from the thumb.

[@chrismccaffrey8256]

HAHA! (laugh of enjoyment) Yes! that's so helpful and cool, really helps me out, as those are the ones i was struggling with! Thank you. I tried using an online text to BSL Alphabet translator, but the letters were all different. Do you have any idea why that might be? cheers.

[@e.b.4379]

@@chrismccaffrey8256 You're welcome, Chris. I'm afraid I can't help you with your question regarding the Alphabet translator--never used one myself! Perhaps someone else might be able to.... Best of luck!

[@DanyaTeodora]

Scarlett

[@hamzaahmed4635]

Thanks! I kept on forgetting what o and u is

[@dontobio3199]

Thanks :) v.useful

[@soapjuice]

i have a gf who lives in england who’s mute, so i’m really glad i found your channel to help me learn bsl

[@CommandingHands]

Thanks for watching everyone. If you enjoyed this video, why not subscribe to our channel. We're regularly uploading new videos. The woman's name at the end of the video is.... * * * "Scarlett". Well done if you got it right! ✋

[@Northstander]

I got her name right on the second attempt, she did sign quite quickly...but I only learned the alphabet yesterday so this is really the start of my signing journey!

[@beansprout9261]

Is her name Scarlett? This is an excellent resource as well, having the different viewpoints was really helpful!

[@CommandingHands]

You got it! Well done 🖐️ Thanks for watching.

[@koif1sh4]

I’ve been wanting to learn BSL for years as my mum is severely deaf and my sister is profanely deaf. This was so helpful thank you so much :)

[@mzdeeify]

I always presumed that if sign I'd being used in the household whilst young you would automatically pick it up?! Is that not the case?

[@koif1sh4]

⁠@@mzdeeifyMy mum lipreads a lot and has some hearing left. my sister can still hear somewhat so BSL isn’t any of our first languages. We all understand BSL and my mum has done courses and levels on it, as well as I have done my level 1 & 2 BSL, but it was something I wanted to do to expand inclusion with others as well as try and educate people my age on this sort of thing as well as I could with my understand and experience

[@50sRockChick]

Thank you. I've known the alphabet since I was about 12, but I get in a pickle with which hand to use as I'm dominantly left, but use both. So seeing this from both angles really helps. The lady's name was Scarlett. :D

[@mattcu77615]

I have not felt such satisfaction with learning something new for a long time. Her name is Scarlett, and I can introduce myself to someone who is hearing impaired. It's 3am and I'm learning new stuff from these videos. Thanks!

[@EruLalu]

Gonna be watching this video on repeat. I'm American and learned the very basics of ASL as a kid and with taking care of kids. It had potential to come in handy when I was in hospital and intubated, but couldn't talk. I tried signing to the nurses. I'm applying for my UK visa soon, and figured I should learn BSL too. Thank you for this video!

[@leahleydon114]

Scarlet! Finally went through 10 times with no mistakes. Now to just keep practicing and learn. More words and phrases. Thanks for the videos!!!

[@juliannel3786]

I got Scarlett too. Learning as a leftie :) Very helpful!

[@rokasjukn1886]

2:18 is right handed (signer point of view) it was the most helpful part for me

[@ashnunn9609]

The signer's view is super helpful thanks a lot!! Scarlet

[@supercheekykiwi]

Maybe you could do a series which are like little tests to see what we have learned. I liked the name test you did at the end of this video. I didn't pickup all the letters but figured it out in the end.

[@dawnatkinson7704]

Crazy! I'm 47 years old and learnt how to sign letters at around aged 10 and never forgotten. Guessing its partly muscle memory and I can't even remember who taught me but it's all there! Thought I'd check this video that it was still correct and 37 years later it's all still there! I think ALL kids should be taught to sign as a second language and part of the curriculum.

[@SUZYLPOOL]

I can hear but due to radiation treatment for cancer many, many years ago, I can now no longer talk. This is so good for me. im teaching my grandchildren and my walking group and my daughters cleaning lady and anyone who will be patient with me. happy I found your site. 🙂 thank you

[@jodyjingles7968]

That K gets me everytime!

[@lewish_1476]

I love your channel sir. I really am getting better at sign language. I was deaf for pretty much my whole life and some people at my school now keep asking me how to do what in sign language. You really help 👍

[@laurencarter2003]

omg yes this is so helpful I am right handed and I did it along with you changing the video speed from slowest to normal speed and done it a few times with the video and now I’ve just done it 3 times without the video! Learnt the alphabet in one evening, less than an hour ! Thanks so much

[@e-g-g3500]

I've started learning because we have a few deaf customers and I'd like to make them feel a little more comfortable thankyou for these videos x

[@Candolad]

Thanks. I've been learning the alphabet as a right-hander, but been confused by some other videos and descriptions because they often don't explain that theyre demonstrating left-handed signing. I thought I'd been oearning incorrectly until you clarified this.

[@ariya444]

i’m working with someone who is deaf and by watching your videos, we’ve been able to communicate with each-other. i need to learn how to answer questions better because when he asks me things, i often end up signing ‘sorry, my minds gone bank’ 😂 thanks for all of your help Dan!

[@dizzydozdb]

Was about to write a comment saying how I just can't seem to get the alphabet, then you magically started doing it from the signers point of view. Thank you 😊

[@supercheekykiwi]

The different point of view is a life saver. Corrected a couple of issues.

[@DavidMorris1984]

Wanted to learn BSL for years. One of my wife's family is deaf and she's getting married to another deaf person next year. Would be good to learn at least a few basics before the wedding day.

[@Embrrz]

Now I know the whole alphabet and can spell name. Thank you!

[@emilycarter8673]

This is so helpful i am not deaf bug really want to learn so thanks so much

[@bewickkingofthenorth1600]

Thankyou for this video. Very helpful and easy to follow. I know at least half the alphabet just from watching once. Great work

[@sherylr8419]

Such a clear and easy to follow video! So pleased that I got the name correct at the end 😊

[@eyxzm7505]

The viewpoints for both hands are the best thing ever, thank you so much.

[@madeline569]

Love this channel so much. Bloody legend you are

[@madeline569]

The pace at which you explain the different angles you show make it so clear and understandable. Very talented teacher.

[@giggyjupiter8246]

I know this is a old but good video but I thought I'd comment anyway. I like how you did it from pov and from infront. I also wish you spoke in your modern videos/ shorts as I find it helps confirm/ elaborate each step. Haven't worked out her name yet will comment again after practice. Thanks for your great videos and work as always, keep teaching 😊

[@danjahirsch2911]

Thank you for this!! Name at the end.. Scarlett

[@MrFoziy79]

I came here to remind me of BSL from forever ago, because I was so moved by Rose's performance on BBC's Strictly this evening, well done Rose 🌹 x

[@feebeegee2984]

I knew the alphabet and I nearly cried the day I found out I was doing it in ASL

[@ogorchukwuosemiha9118]

Just started learning BSL .The video is quite easy to follow. Her name is Scarlett

[@fay-amieaspen6046]

Thanks so much for both the right and left handed alphabet. Interestingly I'm Right Handed but I sign left to right so therefore the left handed alphabet visually made so much more sense to me. If I'm teaching others obviously I switch hands but it's more laborious and slower which is fine for beginner learners of course but for me it feels awkward and clumsy.

[@loz14]

Been wanting to learn sign language for ages...just came across your videos and your really good didn't realize it was different for Americans, so glad I found the British ones. Trying to get my hands in the correct way is a little getting use it, but I'll get it. Thank you for uploading your videos and glad I came across them.

[@Steve200300]

Absolutely love this channel I’m learning from your channel the BSL I’m an absolute beginner, I’m registered deaf and should have learnt this years ago. How long does it take the average person to learn the basics of BSL and how many hours a week or day to retain what you have learned. Keep up the amazing videos.❤️👏🇬🇧

[@hellohi4543]

I genuinely don't know whether I'm right-handed or left-handed at times, so the dual perspective really helps! 😅

[@Liesl_Cigarboxguitar]

I'm genuinely ambidextrous and I find myself swapping over from right to left from time to time.

[@kaidenhoadley816]

Scarlett? Thank you for these videos, they’re helping me with my best friend 😊

[@davefoskett2418]

Hi Dan. I practised the alphabet signs and I was surprised how they stick with me. I've always wanted to learn BSL, and also makaton and ASL, just as an interest. Thank you for this resource, I've enjoyed learning, and the different angles are really helpful

[@aletheaparsons585]

You are the best sign teacher everrr!!!!!!! I actually did it. I learnt the alphabet. I'm actually proud of myself now😂 and I understood it aswell. I'm having a hype overload now, that's really made me happy😂😂 thank youuuu ♡♡

[@user-pr7qf7wk2x]

I would love to be able to communicate with deaf people but all the apps are expensive so this is really helpful. Thanks.

[@garethh4528]

Brilliant sign language lesson, thank you. I knew the alphabet from years ago but had forgotten some of the letters. Would love some more videos from you, please.

[@jaderaven]

2:21 is the best version

[@Paddy_Roche]

Subscribed, thanks. I was super excited when I saw people had Scarlett in the comments because I thought it was that after one play.

[@bobm198]

Hello All, I am slowly teaching myself BSL through these fascinating videos, getting there slowly. It took me a while even for the 'penny to drop' learning the alphabet that the stock five vowels a-e-i-o-u are all simply signed on the thumb and sequenced four fingers! Once this I realised this it made spelling much easier! Sorry for being slow to pick this up!

[@gemmabryden6378]

I am learning BSL and it is marvelous

[@ricky0244]

Your videos are the most helpful and clear to understand, please keep them coming.

[@An0nym0us375]

This was so helpful, thank you!

[@BiscuitVixen]

her name is Scarlett! These videos are really helpful for learning, keep it up!

[@renqzai181]

Thanks you so much! Can't wait to learn more~ This helped me the most ✨💜🖤 2:17

[@Red_Moon373]

Thanks you soo much for this video it's really helpful 😊❤️

[@linsp1004]

Great video thanks

[@abiowen2091]

I loved this! Hoping to start learning BSL as I have with it being lockdown and its always interested me :) would you do anymore lessons from the signers point of view?

[@scabscribbles]

This was cool I had to slow it down since I can't process things very well but otherwise brilliant :)

[@swiftfootgaming8316]

I picked this up in 20 min great video

[@TheLadrowski]

Many Thanks Commanding hands I've learnt so much. Her name is Scarlet

[@mimthyss]

I had to rewatch her finger spell her name several times, but finally got that it's Scarlett! Would've had to ask her to repeat several times irl 😂

[@alexistracey1187]

Hey Dan, I'm waiting to see audiology with my 5yo , we already use some hand signals and flash cards but I already knew some very basic signs and have been using your videos to try learning more just incase my son needs to learn too then I can help him , he can speak and hear but his speech is very delayed and he struggles and gets frustrated when people don't understand him and as his mum it upsets me too as I know he wants to communicate so between this and makaton with Alfie we are learning together. Thank you for making these videos because even if callum only needs wee grommets or his hearing is fine we will still have learned something worthwhile and hopefully be able to use it in the community to help someone else 💖💖

[@misssiddle5023]

Nice to meet you Scarlett 😊

[@decentlysmartforanidiot8284]

I learnt fingerspelling in brownies and im trying it out again this is so helpful!

[@Mika_Minn]

This is useful I kept confusing my hands while watching some videos trying to follow along with them lol 🤣

[@thewickedwitchofthenorthwe5418]

Thank you soo much for helping me lear sign language. We never did it in school and now i have leant so much stuff in less than a hour 😊👍🏻

[@SuMitchell]

I had to run it 3 times, but then I got it. What's the sign for "Please repeat" ? :-)

[@Bambi-TheBunny]

It’s in this video :) 👉🏼 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHzKp5iIibWKmpo it’s from this same channel and it was actually the first sign I learned but it’s not “please repeat” its “again please”

[@clairey6407]

I have always been interested to learn to Sign and thought that anyone who could Sign the whole alphabet must be some kind of mystical genius. I realise now that this can't be true.....because I can now Sign the alphabet 😉 thanks to these videos. Thank you! Your videos are clear, at a good pace and easy to follow. And the name at the end is Scarlett I think 😊.

[@easypctuition9797]

This is SO USEFUL having the hands only view 👍

[@BoardsportsGroup]

Thank you - since learning the alphabet I'm signing to against a metronome to try to improve pace and speed 🤗

[@paulevans3575]

I find it helps learn by singing the alphabet song at the same time.

[@Lost-io9ux]

Thanks for the content. I think I'll really get the hang of this. I just don't know when I can practice with someone to know if I'm doing a good job or not.

[@sophiescheeres5200]

I am good doing sign language

[@txmi4894]

Ooh! Scarlett! Nice name :)

[@ankitasehgal03]

Very well explained 👏🏽

[@mari_0556]

Scarlett!❤ My name is pretty long, this will definitely be a challtenge😂

[@afolabimubarak]

Important Tip: Don't forget to put your finger together for consonants like this"✋" irrespective of the variations and put your fingers slightly apart for vowels like this "🖐️".

[@nb-sq7ko]

Great videos. Can you do some of the nursery rhymes in bsl? Many thanks

[@CommandingHands]

Thanks for watching! 🖐️ Good suggestion, I'll look into it for future videos.

[@kgsfitness7806]

Good grief…as an ASL user…I can say without question this finger spelling system is much more difficult lol. In ASL you can make every letter with one hand…plus BSL sign for KZbin is our “kill” or “murder” lol. Thank you for the video though…gonna practice everyday. How do you guys spell something if you have something in your other hand?

[@psychicrat]

Im an ASL user learning the BSL alphabet purely to flex

[@skysky1243]

s 3:12 k 2:51 Y 3:27

[@mayawazna8362]

Scarlett

[@CommandingHands]

You got it! 🖐️

[@Silveri_664]

My name is so easy to sign. it’s I L O N A😂

[@Shadow_Hawk_Streaming]

great content showing from both sides, only complaint is that you change from one sign to the next very fast

[@imrandom2518]

Yay her name is scarlet my happiness when I knew I felt so accomplished yet deaf people learn this when they can't hear. How they do it is insane I give a pat on the back for that

[@allstarsrgone]

Hello, I’m hearing and all my friends are too, I was hoping to learn sign language to help me in social situations (I have bad anxiety) so I could sign to my partner if I’m not doing well. But i wanted to get a deaf persons opinion on wether it would be ok to use their language like that.

[@alexb4185]

Now i can sign the whole alphabet in 10 seconds!

[@duk7933]

My cousins gonna be so proud of me

[@hannahr71]

Hello, thank you for the great video! Is her name Scarlet?

[@chokiki1.825]

2:09 Y 1:41 O 1:53 S 1:22 H 1:25 I Yoshi! That's me!

[@charlottephillips8173]

I was acually so excited to learn this, Her names Scarlet right

[@woodwardshawn708]

I did the a to z at school years ago a kid in our class was deaf and dumb so we had to learn the a to z so we could communicate with him

[@mikeymax72]

That's cool I think the name of that girl was Scarlett bless 🤗

[@gemmakenyon6046]

I learnt a name in BSL!

[@Nugget.6]

Her name is Scarlett and btw I'm 10 and I'm trying to learn sighn language so hopefully I will and I will make my dad proud

[@Amiijas]

Me guessing her name: I struggled on the first letter and I didn’t want to rewind so I started on H and got them all right and then I figured it out :)

[@fionahills4851]

Scarlett!🎉

[@Potts2k8]

Scarlett - I've known the BSL alphabet for years (my old friend had a deaf uncle who taught me). I've always wanted to broaden my knowledge past spelling but I've never really gotten it down, I think the order of words (topic first) has always confused me... That plus having terrible coordination 🤭

[@willowwood3384]

Like Yoda, you must think. Help you, it will.

[@luciafacosta]

I like to do the alphabet with my right hand and other signs with my left since I am left handed

[@atila_diy5414]

when you have A E and I in your name and you feel like counting down on your fingers :)