How to Sign "Bulgaria"

To sign *Bulgaria*, start by resting your non-dominant arm horizontally across your chest. With your dominant hand, grasp your non-dominant bicep. Next, pull your dominant hand outward to the side, simultaneously changing it into a bent 'B' handshape (fingers kept together and bent at the knuckles) with the palm facing down.

Examples Using "Bulgaria" in a Sentence

1

I am planning a trip to Bulgaria next summer.

Sign *Bulgaria* by grasping your non-dominant bicep and pulling your hand away into a bent 'B' shape, then sign *plan*, *trip*, and *next summer*.

2

Bulgaria is located in Eastern Europe.

Start with the sign for *Bulgaria*, then sign *Europe* and *East* to describe its geographical location.

3

She was born in Bulgaria.

Point to the person to establish the subject, sign *born*, and finish with the sign for *Bulgaria*.

How to Sign "Bulgaria"
To sign *Bulgaria*, start by resting your non-dominant arm horizontally across your chest. With your dominant hand, grasp your non-dominant bicep. Next, pull your dominant hand outward to the side, simultaneously changing it into a bent 'B' handshape (fingers kept together and bent at the knuckles) with the palm facing down.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
While the exact historical origin of this specific variation is debated, the visual logic involves grasping the upper arm and pulling away to form a flat, bent shape. Many country signs in ASL have evolved from older visual markers or borrowed gestures.
Signing Tips
Focus on the transition of your dominant hand. The movement should be a smooth pull away from the bicep, ending with a crisp, bent 'B' handshape parallel to the floor.
Common Mistakes
Beginners sometimes keep their hand in a grasping 'C' or claw shape the entire time. Remember to flatten your fingers into a bent 'B' shape as you pull your hand away from your arm.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Bulgaria" in a Sentence
1

I am planning a trip to Bulgaria next summer.

Sign *Bulgaria* by grasping your non-dominant bicep and pulling your hand away into a bent 'B' shape, then sign *plan*, *trip*, and *next summer*.

2

Bulgaria is located in Eastern Europe.

Start with the sign for *Bulgaria*, then sign *Europe* and *East* to describe its geographical location.

3

She was born in Bulgaria.

Point to the person to establish the subject, sign *born*, and finish with the sign for *Bulgaria*.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is there more than one way to sign Bulgaria?

Yes, ASL has a few variations for country names, and some signers may use the International Sign version. However, the bicep-grasp variation shown here is one recognized way to sign it in ASL.

Does it matter which arm I grasp?

Yes, you should always grasp your non-dominant arm with your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, your left arm will rest across your chest, and your right hand will grasp your left bicep.

What handshape does the dominant hand end in?

After pulling away from the bicep, your dominant hand should form a bent 'B' handshape. This means your fingers are kept together and bent at the knuckles, with your palm facing down toward the ground.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!