BSL Dating Phrases
Learn Flirty Phrases In British Sign Language With Deaf Influencers, Hermon and Heroda
We all know that online dating is a minefield. From beige flags to winter coating, the struggle is real, even more so when the dating scene can feel isolating and non-inclusive. That's why dating app Tinder is striving to empower more singles by offering ways to encourage deeper connections via its new visual series. Teaming up with deaf twin sisters, Hermon and Heroda, it has launched a number of stills and videos to help users learn flirty phrases in British Sign Language (BSL) to communicate better.
"Dating can be daunting, but being deaf can feel ten times more challenging because there isn't enough awareness within society," Hermon tells POPSUGAR. "We're collaborating with Tinder to call on people to adjust their perspective and attitude towards deafness, because we are not that different at all! We love, we laugh, and we express our emotions just the same," Heroda adds.
The twin sisters, also known as Being Her on Instagram, have amassed over 95k followers thanks to their upfront, stylish, and heart-warming feed raising awareness of being deaf. The sisters moved to the UK when they were young with their parents and brother from war-torn Eritrea and mysteriously turned deaf when they were seven years old. Ever since, they have strived to change the negative attitudes towards deafness.
"Dating can be daunting, but being deaf can feel ten times more challenging because there isn't enough awareness within society."
"BSL is an important part of our deaf identity. Society doesn't realise how much they are missing out on because it's a beautiful culture," Hermon says. BSL is currently used by 150,000 people in the UK. According to research by Tinder, 71 percent of 18-24 year olds would not feel confident dating someone who communicates using BSL, which is why the app aims to teach users key phrases in BSL, including things like "I like your smile" and "I'm glad we matched". The charity Deaf Action is also running a series of introductory courses alongside the campaign.
In addition, the sisters have plenty of tips for those who are about to go on a date with a deaf person. "Be open-minded and patient. Always face the deaf person you are speaking to," Heroda advises. "If they ask you to repeat what you said, write it down, or type it on your phone, never say 'don't worry' about it or 'it doesn't matter'. These phrases can be painful to a deaf person because they make them feel excluded. You can pick up basic sign language with some quick research. If you are going out on a date with a deaf person, ask them what they'd like to do, or if there's any way to make the date more accessible. If you're going on a dinner or drink date, choose a restaurant or bar with good lighting and minimal background noise."
And when it comes to dating as a deaf person, the sisters are all about highlighting what makes you unique — just like Tasha Ghouri who spotlighted her cochlear ear plant on last year's "Love Island", calling it her "superpower". "Our advice is to enjoy yourself, focus on you, and love will find you," the sisters say. "Don't give up and be honest about your flaws; the only one that needs to accept you for who you are, is you!" Read ahead for to learn some flirty phrases in BSL.
