Love is a universal language that travels across cultures, communication barriers, and borders. Love is a feeling that can be expressed in many ways, and one of the most inclusive and beautiful ways of expressing love is through love sign language.
In this article, we will show you the 5 signs of love language and how to say I love you in the four most common sign languages.
What are the 5 signs of Love Language?
Love languages are the unique ways in which people receive and give love. Dr. Gary Chapman categorizes these expressions of love into five primary categories. The 5 signs of love language are:
- Words of Affirmation
- Acts of Service
- Receiving Gifts
- Quality Time
- Physical Touch
People often have a primary love language, and understanding your partner's or loved one's love language can significantly enhance your ability to connect with them on a deeper level.
Expressing Love through Sign Language
Sign language of I love you is a powerful and unique way to express love. While the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities primarily use sign language to communicate, it can also be a beautiful way to convey love in platonic and romantic relationships. Let's see how sign language sign for I love you can be expressed through sign language:
- Words of Affirmation:
Sign language includes numerous signs for expressing love and affection. Gestures like signing "I love you" or "You are important to me" are powerful ways to convey words of affirmation.
- Acts of Service:
If acts of service are your partner's way of saying I love you in sign language, you might go out of your way to ease some of their responsibilities. That could mean changing a flat tyre on their car or picking up a package from the post office.
- Receiving and giving Gifts:
Giving gifts can involve thinking of your partner and providing small tokens of affection. Often, these gifts don't need to be expensive or extensive. If you're stopping by the supermarket, you could grab your partner's favourite snack. In addition, it may make your partner feel more loved if you show plenty of appreciation when they get gifts for you.
- Quality time:
Quality time means spending intentional time with your partner rather than focusing on your phone, TV, or other side attractions. Distraction-free time could be a special date night or a no-phones-allowed dinner each night that allows youallows you to give each other your full attention and discuss how your day has been.
- Physical touch:
Although you may initially think of sex when considering the love language of physical touch, it does not have to include sex. It can refer to many other kinds of physical affection. That could be giving your partner a back rub, kissing, or touching their arm when you sense they're overwhelmed.
How To Say "I Love You" in Sign Language
I love you hand sign has been absorbed into many languages worldwide. It is used in most sign languages based on English, but people using most other languages would understand it. Here is a guide to saying "I love you" in the 4 most common sign languages.
1. I love you – ASL:
(ASL – American Sign Language)
Another way to say I love you in American Sign Language is as follows.
- Step 1 – point to yourself over the heart
- Step 2 – make fists with both hands and cross your arms over your heart. Like you are pulling someone in for a hug
- Step 3 – point at the person you are speaking to
2. I love you – BSL:
(BSL – British Sign Language)
British and American Sign Languages differ in many ways. However, you will occasionally see a similar set of signs. BSL is used in the UK and most English-speaking commonwealth countries. You can use this sign in all situations.
- Step 1 – point to yourself over the heart
- Step 2 – flatten your hands and cross them gently over your chest. Like you are pressing something into your heart.
- Step 3 – point at the person you are speaking to
3. I love you – CSL (ZGS):
(ZGS – Chinese Sign Language)
Did you know that up to 70 million people use ZGS every day?! To say "I love you" in ZGS, you will need to do the following three steps:
- Step 1 – cross your flat palms over your heart, bump them against your chest twice (like a heartbeat)
- Step 2 – put your right hand out with your thumb up. Make your left hand flat, then run it towards yourself along the top of your thumb.
- Step 3 – point at the person you are speaking to
4. I love you – LFS:
(LFS – French Sign Language)
Many of the sign language dialects around the world draw from LFS.
French is referred to as the language of love, so many sign language speakers will be familiar with this version of the phrase. Just as "Je t'aime" is often used by English or Spanish speakers.
This sign translates the phrase "Je t'aime". It involves two steps.
- Step 1 – Bring your fingertips together on each hand, then put your hands together. It will almost look like your hands are kissing.
- Step 2: Place your right hand flat on your belly. Then, run it up the front of your body. When you reach heart height, push the hand out in the direction of the person you are speaking to.
Incorporating Sign Language into Everyday Life
Even if you or your loved one is not deaf or hard of hearing, you can incorporate sign language into your daily life to enhance your connection. Learning a few basic signs and using them in your interactions can be a fun and meaningful way to express love and appreciation.
Additionally, learning sign language to communicate love can profoundly break the communication barrier between two individuals with different abilities. It highlights the beauty of diversity in human relationships.
Conclusion
Expressing love in sign language is a beautiful and inclusive way to understand and cater to different love languages. It promotes deeper connections, fosters inclusivity, and highlights the universal nature of love as a language that transcends barriers.
Whether you are in a romantic relationship, a friendship, or a family bond, the power of sign language can strengthen your connection and make love genuinely all-encompassing.
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FAQs
Do I use my left or my right hand for signing I love you?
For signs like I Love You that use only one hand, you would typically use the hand you also write with. So, if you are left-handed, you would typically use your left hand to sign "I love you".
What should I avoid when using the "I love you" sign?
Avoid using the sign inappropriately or insincerely. Like spoken expressions of love, the I love you should be used with genuine feelings and only in suitable contexts.
How do I practice the "I love you" sign?
Practice by watching videos or attending sign language classes. Repetition and feedback from proficient signers can help you perfect the I love you sign.
Can the "I love you" sign be used in formal situations?
The "I love you" sign is generally considered informal and is most often used in personal, close relationships. It is better to use a more formal phrase in sign language appropriate to formal situations.
Is it appropriate to use the "I love you" sign with someone who is not deaf?
The "I love you" sign is widely recognized and can be a sweet gesture for anyone, whether deaf or not. However, be mindful of the context and your relationship with the person.