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Monday, February 24, 2025
Sign of the Day
work table
The BSL sign for "work table" is a compound sign combining 'WORK' and 'TABLE'. It first uses two fists tapping at the wrists for 'WORK', then two flat hands tapping to form 'TABLE'
A2 Common Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Fists (S-hands) for 'work', flat hands (B-hands) for 'table'
Tap wrists together, then tap dominant flat hand onto non-dominant flat hand
Used when discussing furniture for tasks, workshops, or offices
Break It Down
Watch, build, and feel the movement
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How to form the sign
- Form S-hands (fists) with palms facing
- Tap wrists together twice for 'WORK'
- Transition to B-hands (flat hands) palms down
- Tap dominant B-hand onto non-dominant B-hand twice at waist level for 'TABLE'
Coach prompt
Practice signing 'WORK' (fists tapping wrists) then 'TABLE' (flat hands tapping). Focus on smooth transition
Signature details
Handshape
Fists (S-hands) for 'work', flat hands (B-hands) for 'table' · Code S-hand, B-hand
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Tap
Palm orientation
'Work': palms face each other. 'Table': palms down
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
'work table' or 'table' can be mouthed
Body shift
No
Use It Today
Move from recognition to real-life use
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I need a new work table for my studio
Compound sign combining 'WORK' and 'TABLE' for specific clarity
Best fit: Used when discussing furniture for tasks, workshops, or offices
Mirror focus
Practice signing 'WORK' (fists tapping wrists) then 'TABLE' (flat hands tapping). Focus on smooth transition
Catch the slip
Ensure fists for 'WORK' tap wrists and flat hands for 'TABLE' tap downward. Maintain correct handshapes
Use it today
I need a new work table for my studio
Common mistakes: Confusing with 'table' or 'desk' if not signing both parts clearly
When not to use it: When specifically referring to a dining table or a small side table
Regional note: Core signs 'WORK' and 'TABLE' are standard across UK BSL
Cultural note: Reflects BSL's compound nature for specific concepts
1.[en] I need a new work table. / BSL:[WORK TABLE NEW WANT I]
2.[en] The work table is busy. / BSL:[WORK TABLE BUSY]
3.[en] He built a strong work table. / BSL:[HE BUILD WORK TABLE STRONG]
What is the BSL sign for work table?
It's a compound sign combining 'WORK' and 'TABLE'. You sign 'WORK' first, then 'TABLE'.
How do you sign work table in BSL?
First, tap fists together at wrists (WORK). Then, transition to flat hands and tap the dominant hand on the non-dominant hand at waist level (TABLE).
Is work table one-handed or two-handed in BSL?
It is a two-handed sign. Both 'WORK' and 'TABLE' components require both hands.
What handshape is used for work table in BSL?
The sign uses S-hands (fists) for the 'WORK' part, and then B-hands (flat hands) for the 'TABLE' part.
How does work table differ from similar signs in BSL?
It combines specific handshapes and movements for 'WORK' and 'TABLE'. 'DESK' often involves a single 'table' sign with an additional 'writing' or 'office' context. 'TABLE' alone is just the flat hand tap.
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Word web
workbench
workstation
work
table
office
desk
tools
work
table
desk
office
workbench
studio
The sign for 'work table' is a compound of 'WORK' (S-hands tapping wrists) and 'TABLE' (B-hands tapping). It differs from 'TABLE' alone, which only involves the B-hand tap, and 'DESK', which is similar to 'TABLE' but may include a 'writing' or 'office' context, sometimes incorporating a single flat hand sweeping across the other. 'WORK TABLE' specifically denotes a functional, often robust, work surface
furniture
equipment
labour
office
home
BSL work table
British Sign Language work table
sign for work table
workbench BSL
Furniture
Office
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