What This Sign Means in BSL
The BSL sign for communication captures the essence of exchanging thoughts, ideas, and information between people. It's a foundational sign, representing the broad concept of interaction and mutual understanding. When you see this sign, it’s not just about one person talking or expressing; it inherently suggests a dynamic flow, a back-and-forth process where messages are sent and received. Think of it as the connective tissue that links individuals and groups, allowing them to share their internal worlds with each other.
This sign is particularly versatile because it doesn't specify *how* communication occurs – whether through spoken words, written text, signing, or other means. It refers to the *act* or *system* of conveying meaning. The bilateral movement, where both hands engage, beautifully illustrates this two-way street, where input and output are equally vital. It’s about opening channels and ensuring that what’s inside can be shared with others, and what’s outside can be understood internally.
You'll find yourself using this sign in a multitude of contexts, from discussing a team's need for better internal messaging to reflecting on the complexities of cross-cultural dialogue. It’s a neutral, descriptive sign, setting the stage for deeper conversations about *how* we connect, *what* we're connecting about, and *why* that connection matters. Mastering this sign gives you a powerful tool to articulate the very act of human interaction itself.
When This Sign Feels Natural
The BSL sign for communication feels most natural when you're referring to the overarching concept of exchanging information, rather than a specific instance of talking or telling. Imagine you’re discussing the importance of clear communication in a relationship, or perhaps the challenges businesses face in maintaining effective communication with their global teams. Here, the sign works perfectly because it encompasses the entire system and process, not just a single spoken word or signed sentence.
You'll find this sign useful across various registers, from a formal business meeting discussing "communication strategies" to a casual chat about "how we communicate" with friends. It serves as an excellent noun, a subject or object in a sentence, representing the abstract idea. For instance, you might sign, "Good communication is important," or "Their communication broke down." It's about the *noun* form, the 'what' of exchanging information.
However, be mindful that sometimes a more specific sign might be better. If you’re talking about "a chat" with a friend, the sign for CHAT or TALK might feel more fitting. If it's about a structured exchange of opinions, DISCUSS could be a stronger choice. The sign for communication excels when you need to convey the general principle or the broader system of interaction. It's the big picture of how we share and understand each other, rather than the brushstroke of a single interaction.
What Learners Usually Miss
A common pitfall for learners is getting the rhythm and consistency of the movement just right. The hands don't just go out once; they move outwards from near the chest and then return, repeating this smooth, rhythmic cycle. This repetition is crucial – it’s what conveys the ongoing, dynamic process of communication, not just a one-off transmission. Some learners might make the movement too jerky, or only perform it once, which can subtly alter the meaning, making it feel less like a continuous exchange and more like a single announcement.
Another subtle point often missed is the precise handshape and location. Both hands should be open flat, fingers together, with the thumb slightly tucked, starting around the mid-chest level. Sometimes learners might let their hands cup slightly, or start too high or low. Maintaining that flat, open handshape is important as it visually suggests openness and clarity in the exchange. The movement should feel natural and effortless, like information flowing freely, not constrained or forced.
Finally, watch out for over-generalising this sign when a more nuanced BSL sign exists. While "communication" is broad, BSL, like any rich language, has specific signs for different types of interaction. For example, if you're talking about a friendly conversation, the sign for CHAT might be more appropriate. If you're discussing a serious debate, DISCUSS would be better. Using "communication" for every instance of interaction can sometimes make your signing feel less precise. Ensure you’re using it to refer to the *system* or *concept* of communication, rather than a specific *act* of talking or conversing, unless that broader concept is truly what you intend.
A Simple Way to Remember It
To help you remember the BSL sign for communication, think about the natural flow and exchange of information between people.
- The Outward Flow: Imagine your hands are gently pushing ideas *out* from your mind or chest towards another person, showing the act of expressing or sending information.
- The Inward Return: The hands returning towards your chest can represent receiving information, or the ideas coming *back* to you from the other person, completing the two-way exchange.
- Open Hands, Open Mind: The flat, open handshape itself can be a reminder of being open and receptive to others’ ideas, and clear in expressing your own. It’s about creating an open channel.
Short Practice Situations
- We need to work on improving our team’s internal communication strategies.
- Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful relationship, personal or professional.
- I believe there's been a breakdown in communication between the two departments on this project.
- The rise of social media has dramatically altered the landscape of global communication.
- Her new role as a manager involves a significant amount of direct communication with clients daily.
Signs to Learn Next
- TALK / SPEAK: This sign refers more to the active process of conversing or speaking, often one-way or less formal than the broad concept of "communication". Learning it helps differentiate between the act and the concept.
- DISCUSS: While communication is broad, DISCUSS implies a more structured and often deeper exchange of ideas or opinions. It’s a specific *type* of communication, emphasising debate or deliberation.
- MEETING: A meeting is a prime environment where various forms of communication take place. Understanding this sign provides context for where communication often happens in a formal setting.
- EXPLAIN: Good communication often aims to explain clearly. This sign connects directly to the goal of making information understandable, which is a key function of effective communication.
- LANGUAGE: Language is the primary medium through which much human communication occurs. Learning this sign helps to frame the systems we use to communicate.
