Daily focus
Archive Replay
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Sign of the Day
system
The sign for 'system' uses two S-hands that interlock, separate, then re-interlock at chest height. This represents interconnected parts forming a functional whole
B1 Common Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
Today’s Snapshot
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Both hands form S-hands (closed fists), palms facing each other
Hands link/interlock, separate, and link again
Discussing organised structures, processes, technology, or interconnected parts
Break It Down
Watch, build, and feel the movement
Use the numbered steps first, then check the sign anatomy cards to clean up the small details that make the sign look fluent instead of approximate.
How to form the sign
- Form S-hands with both fists
- Position hands at mid-chest, palms facing each other
- Interlock fingers of both hands, pulling slightly apart
- Separate hands briefly
- Re-interlock fingers again
Coach prompt
Practice forming S-hands and smoothly interlocking/separating them
Signature details
Handshape
Both hands form S-hands (closed fists), palms facing each other · Code S-hand (both)
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Symmetric
Contact
Touch
Palm orientation
Palms face towards each other, rotating slightly with movement
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
ssst
Body shift
None
Use It Today
Move from recognition to real-life use
Everything below is designed to make the sign sticky: where it feels natural, what learners miss, and how to use it without sounding robotic.
The education system is complex
Emphasises the interconnectedness and functional complexity of components
Best fit: Discussing organised structures, processes, technology, or interconnected parts
Mirror focus
Practice forming S-hands and smoothly interlocking/separating them
Catch the slip
Ensure S-hand shape is maintained; hands must fully interlock with fingers
Use it today
The education system is complex
Common mistakes: Incorrect handshape, not fully interlocking hands, wrong location
When not to use it: When referring to a simple plan or procedure, or a single item
Regional note: Minimal variation across the UK
Cultural note: Conveys the concept of integrated parts working together
1.[en] I don't understand the system. / BSL:[DONT-UNDERSTAND SYSTEM]
2.[en] The public transport system. / BSL:[PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM]
3.[en] It's a complex system. / BSL:[COMPLEX SYSTEM]
Connect the Dots
Turn one sign into a small learning cluster
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Word web
Structure
network
framework
organisation
arrangement
Chaos
disarray
disorder
Organisation
structure
process
method
technology
Structure
Organisation
Network
SYSTEM (S-hands interlock/separate/interlock) focuses on interconnectedness and structure. JOIN/CONNECT (often B-hands or G-hands coming together) typically implies two things coming together once. ORGANISATION (often C-hands circling, or variations of 'group') implies a more abstract entity or a process of arranging, distinct from "system's" concrete structure
Organisation
structure
technology
method
process
System
network
organisation
arrangement
Technology
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