Archive Replay Thursday, February 13, 2025

Sign of the Day

air hose

The BSL sign for 'air hose' combines a representation of a flexible tube with a non-manual feature indicating 'air'. The non-dominant C-hand often acts as a connection point, while the dominant G-hand traces the hose's path. Puffed cheeks confirm the 'air' aspect

B1 Technical Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Technical
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Level B1
Frequency Technical
Class Noun
Hand count Two-handed
Movement Linear, Repeated, Arc
Location Mid-air, in front of the body, waist to chest height
Face & eyes Puffed cheeks
Language British Sign Language (BSL) · United Kingdom
Shape cue

Non-dominant hand forms a C-shape, palm slightly right. Dominant hand forms a G-hand (index finger extended)

Motion cue

Dominant G-hand extends forward from near non-dominant C-hand, wiggling slightly

Meaning cue

Used when discussing pneumatic tools, vehicle maintenance, or industrial equipment

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How to form the sign

  1. Non-dominant hand forms a C-shape, palm slightly right, at waist height
  2. Dominant hand forms a G-hand (index extended), palm down, tip near C-hand opening
  3. Extend dominant G-hand forward and slightly down, wiggling
  4. Simultaneously puff cheeks ('ch' mouth morpheme)

Signature details

Handshape Non-dominant hand forms a C-shape, palm slightly right. Dominant hand forms a G-hand (index finger extended) · Code ND: C-hand, D: G-hand
Dominant hand Right
Symmetry Asymmetric
Contact Near
Palm orientation Non-dominant palm faces slightly towards the body/right. Dominant palm faces down
Eyebrows Neutral
Eye gaze Forward
Head movement None
Mouth morpheme 'ch' (puffed cheeks)
Body shift None
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Natural example
The mechanic connected the air hose to the tire

The puffed cheeks ('ch') mouth pattern is crucial for indicating 'air' or 'pneumatic'

Best fit: Used when discussing pneumatic tools, vehicle maintenance, or industrial equipment

Daily drills
Mirror focus

Non-dominant hand forms a C-shape, palm slightly right, at waist height

Catch the slip

Confusing with general 'hose' or 'pipe' by omitting the 'air' non-manual feature

Use it today

The mechanic connected the air hose to the tire

Watch-outs

Common mistakes: Confusing with general 'hose' or 'pipe' by omitting the 'air' non-manual feature

When not to use it: When referring to a water hose or a solid pipe

Regional note: Rarely significant regional variation for technical signs

Cultural note: N/A

Practice line

1.[en] The mechanic used an air hose. / BSL:[MECHANIC USE AIR HOSE]

Practice line

2.[en] Connect the air hose to the compressor. / BSL:[CONNECT AIR HOSE COMPRESSOR]

Practice line

3.[en] Check the air hose for leaks. / BSL:[CHECK AIR HOSE LEAK]

What is the BSL sign for air hose?

The BSL sign for 'air hose' depicts a flexible tube with a non-manual 'air' component. It uses two hands to show the hose and its connection, along with puffed cheeks.

How do you sign air hose in BSL?

The non-dominant hand makes a C-shape. The dominant G-hand starts near it, then extends forward, wiggling, while the signer puffs their cheeks. This shows the flexible hose and the air it carries.

Is air hose one-handed or two-handed in BSL?

The BSL sign for 'air hose' is typically a two-handed sign. One hand forms a connection point, and the other represents the hose itself, extending from it.

What handshape is used for air hose in BSL?

The non-dominant hand uses a C-handshape, representing a connection or nozzle. The dominant hand uses a G-handshape (index finger extended) to represent the flexible hose.

How does air hose differ from similar signs in BSL?

'Air hose' uses a C-hand and G-hand with a forward wiggling motion and crucial puffed cheeks. 'HOSE' (general) might omit the C-hand or puffed cheeks. 'PIPE' is usually a rigid, straight motion. 'PUMP' involves an up-and-down motion.

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Word web

Pneumatic hose air line N/A Compressor air tire nozzle hose air compressor pneumatic tube inflate

The BSL sign for 'air hose' distinguishes itself from related signs primarily through its non-manual feature and specific hand interactions. General 'HOSE' may use a G-hand wiggling forward, but lacks the C-hand connection and the 'ch' mouth pattern. 'PIPE' (like a drainpipe) often uses a G-hand or F-hand moving in a straight, rigid line, without wiggling or puffed cheeks. The combination of the C-hand for connection, the G-hand for flexibility, and the 'ch' mouth morpheme for 'air' makes 'air hose' distinct

Tools machinery garage inflation workshop BSL air hose sign for air hose pneumatic hose sign BSL tools
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Video credit: The demonstration video on this page is credited to SpreadTheSign. The video remains the property of the original rightholder.

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