What are some interesting differences between American Sign Language and British Sign Language?

American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) are two distinct sign languages with several interesting differences:

1. Manual Alphabet

• ASL uses a one-handed manual alphabet, where all letters are formed with one hand, including vowels13.
• BSL uses a two-handed manual alphabet. The non-dominant hand forms the vowels using the thumb and four fingers, while the dominant hand points to each letter12.

2. Iconicity and Vocabulary

• ASL often incorporates signs that reflect American culture. For example, the sign for "coffee" mimics grinding coffee beans1.
• BSL signs can reflect British culture. The sign for "coffee" involves mimicking drinking from a cup1.
• Vocabulary differs significantly due to cultural and linguistic differences. For instance, "chips" in BSL corresponds to "fries" in ASL1.

3. Grammar and Structure

• ASL typically follows a topic-comment structure, which is different from spoken English3.
• BSL often uses a subject-verb-object structure similar to spoken English4.

4. Fingerspelling Usage

• ASL frequently uses fingerspelling for both common words and proper nouns4.
• BSL primarily uses fingerspelling for proper nouns like names and places4.

5. Cultural Influence

• ASL has been influenced by French Sign Language and various American cultural groups4.
• BSL has developed independently and reflects British cultural influences4.

These differences highlight the unique characteristics and cultural nuances of each sign language, emphasizing that they are not universally understood and are distinct languages in their own right.