Jobs in BSL are usually visually representative of the work itself in some way, either by signing the verb associated with the job (GARDENER has the same sign as DIG) or representing something commonly associated with that job (DENTIST is signed by pointing at the teeth).
Jobs
Try to use the BSL signs that best visually represent the job, rather than heavily focus on the English words in the job title. For example, a support worker should use the sign below for SUPPORT if their role involves supporting people.
Some jobs can be initialised or signed in full, for example a Communication Support Worker could be signed CSW or COMMUNICATION SUPPORT WORKER. A CSW is often used in education to support deaf children in their learning and is one of the career paths available to you once you have achieved a Level 3 qualification in British Sign Language (BSL).
General vocabulary
The signs for JOB and WORK have the same handshapes and movement with a different lip pattern.
Example sentences
My job is a nurse is signed MY JOB NURSE
I work full time is signed ME WORK FULL TIME
My son is a student is signed MY SON STUDENT
Video demonstration
Exercise: Compile 5 short sentences about work and employment. Below are some examples, change them to suit you.
1. MY JOB SUPPORT WORKER
2. ME WORK PART TIME
3. BEFORE MY JOB WHAT? GARDENER
4. MY SISTER JOB WHAT? NURSE
4. FUTURE JOB ME WANT WHAT? INTERPRETER
Key points to remember
1. Many BSL signs for jobs represent imagery linked with that career, for example the sign for GARDENER depicts digging.
2. Signs for jobs often have other meanings too, for example RECEPTIONIST can also mean WELCOME, therefore your lip pattern is important.
3. In English, there are many creative job titles but try to use a BSL sign that best fits the job role visually.
Useful downloads and links
A PDF version of this page will be available to download soon.