Signing emotions in BSL heavily relies on the visual aspect of the language. You need to show facial expressions linked with the sign and these should feel quite natural. Puff your chest out when signing PROUD, smile when signing HAPPY and droop your shoulders when signing DISAPPOINTED.
Positive emotions
Negative emotions
General vocabulary
Exercise: Practice each emotion sign in front of a mirror, focusing on the non-manual features such as facial expressions and body language.
Example sentences
I hate work is signed WORK ME HATE
I’m proud that I passed my English exam is signed ENGLISH EXAM ME PASS ME PROUD
I love you is signed I LOVE YOU
Key points to remember
1. Non-manual features are essential when signing emotions in BSL. Your facial expressions and body language should match the emotion.
2. Positive emotions are typically accompanied by positive expressions and body language, for example smiling or puffing your chest out.
3. Negative emotions have negative expressions and body language, for example looking sad or drooping your shoulders.
Useful downloads and links
A PDF version of this page will be available to download soon.