This is the part of BSL where we have to drop our safety net.  We may know the sign for a certain word and feel that we can use this same sign every time we use that word.  Unfortunately English has often over time, taken the same word and developed a number of different meanings or contexts in which it can be used.  Each of these contexts may now be very different, particularly to an observer.  Since BSL is a visual language, it is important that the sign used is visually appropriate to the context. 

In English there are a number of nouns and verbs with very different meanings, but which are represented by the same word.   Examples of this could include the word “bank”.  In BSL the sign used for a river bank would not be that same as for a Savings Bank.  Similarly the word “run” could be used in a number of different ways, all of which have different signs e.g. “Run for a bus”, “Run a business”, “Have a run in your stockings”, “Run a bath” etc.

Using “Signs in Context” makes it much easier for the deaf viewer to understand.  In addition, because it is allowing you as the signer, to provide the information in a more condensed and concise method, it will also improve your own fluency.  Fluency is a vitally important element of BSL from Level 2 onwards, so it is worth taking steps now to help.   Of course in Level 1 you will make errors here, so it is also worth knowing what is meant by the terminology.

When unsure of a particular sign, you should consider what the object or action would look like to an observer.  You should then adapt your sign to reflect this whenever possible. 

This may mean you having to show how something is held, or where the action or object is located on the body etc.

Examples of these could be Brush and Wash. 

BRUSH

I brush the floor

I brush my hair

I brush my teeth

Each of these will use a different type of brush.  These will be indicated in the way the brushes are held.  In addition, the location and movement of each will be different.

Other actions that brushes are required for, such as applying make-up, applying mascara, painting a wall, painting a picture.  When signing these we would simply use the appropriate handshapes, movement and locations.

WASH

I wash my face

I wash my hands

I wash the dishes (by hand)

I wash my clothes (by hand)

Again, the handshape, movement and location for each of the above will be different.  In addition you could indicate the use of machinery or kitchen appliances by changing the last example to:

I wash my clothes (in a washing machine)

Here the rotating action of the Washng Machine Drum dictates the sign