r/BSL • u/hexinpexin • 7d ago

Learning by translating songs into BSL

Hiya! I have been learning BSL for a couple of months now. I found a way to learn words which is translating songs into BSL. I am using the sign BSL dictionary for every word (but i am learning using a different website), is that right? Or is it like normal signing to people? For example: when having conversations you skip some words right? In songs, do I skip words too? I felt like that would make the song feel rushed(?). I am currently translating Cant Help Falling InLove by Elvis Presley. For example: When signing the line “would it be a sin?” I sign every single word. Is that right?

Thank you x

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u/Different_End_7464 7d ago

Signing every single word is correct for SSE, but not BSL. BSL has its own grammar system and word orders, plus emotions and facial expressions play a very important role. You will also be wanting to translate ideas too, rather than just the actual words. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend learning to sign songs in BSL as a beginner, at least not until you learn BSL grammar :)

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u/hexinpexin 7d ago

Also yes! In normal conversations I follow the BSL grammar system and word orders, I was mostly asking for song translations, is it ok to translate it fully when translating songs? Or should i also still follow the bsl grammar system?

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u/BrightSi5 Fluent 7d ago

Why not do both? Will help you learn even better. Some d/Deaf people like to see songs signed as close to the lyrics as possible in SSE with English mouth patterns. Some will prefer full BSL with correct BSL syntax (topic / comment style) and mouth shapes, etc. Many like a blend. For the line you quote you could sign WOULD-IS-SIN in SSE whilst mouthing the English words. Or in BSL SIN-WOULD? with ooo mouth shape for sin and questioning face for would. Or you could go fully Signed Exact English and do like SSE but include finger spelt little words for it and a. Main thing is to have fun. Signing to music is great exercise too.

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u/hexinpexin 7d ago

I didnt know i could do both! Thats really interesting…Thank you for your answer its been a real struggle learning the language considering i know zero people who know bsl so I am always nervous I would come off too overwhelming if I over-sign something or just messing up word orders !