How different is ASL and BSL?

 

ASL (American Sign Language) and BSL (British Sign Language) are two separate sign languages used in different regions and have significant differences. Here are some key differences between ASL and BSL:

Geographic and Cultural Differences: ASL is primarily used in the United States and parts of Canada, while BSL is used in the United Kingdom and some parts of its former colonies. As a result, ASL is influenced by American culture, while BSL is influenced by British and regional cultures.

Language Origins: ASL and BSL have different origins. ASL is derived from French Sign Language (LSF) and also influenced by Martha's Vineyard Sign Language, whereas BSL evolved independently from its own sources.

Vocabulary: ASL and BSL have different signs for many words. While there may be some overlap due to universal signs or borrowed signs, the majority of signs in each language are unique. The signs for numbers, colors, and everyday objects can differ between ASL and BSL.

Grammar and Syntax: ASL and BSL have different grammatical structures and syntax. ASL uses a topic-comment structure, where the topic is established first, followed by the comment. BSL, on the other hand, often uses a subject-verb-object word order similar to spoken English.

Handshapes and Movements: ASL and BSL can have different handshapes and movements for signs. Some signs that are similar in concept may have different physical representations in each language.

Non-Manual Markers: Non-manual markers, such as facial expressions and body movements, are used differently in ASL and BSL. The use of facial expressions and body language can convey grammatical information and affect the meaning of signs in both languages, but the specific usage can vary.

Fingerspelling: The manual alphabets (fingerspelling) used in ASL and BSL are different. Each language has its own set of handshapes for representing letters of the alphabet.