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Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Sign of the Day
redwood
The BSL sign for 'redwood' is a compound sign, combining the individual BSL signs for 'RED' and 'TREE' in sequence. This method is common for specifying particular types of things
B1 Uncommon Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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G-hand (index finger extended) for RED; 5-hand (open palm, fingers spread) for TREE
Dominant G-hand touches chin, then dominant 5-hand moves upwards from non-dominant arm
When discussing specific tree species, forests, or nature
Break It Down
Watch, build, and feel the movement
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How to form the sign
- Form G-hand with dominant hand
- Touch index finger to chin twice (for RED)
- Form 5-hand with dominant hand, fingers spread
- Place non-dominant arm across body, palm up (as tree trunk)
- Move dominant 5-hand upwards from non-dominant arm, wiggling fingers (for TREE)
Coach prompt
Focus on the smooth transition from the 'RED' component to the 'TREE' component
Signature details
Handshape
G-hand (index finger extended) for RED; 5-hand (open palm, fingers spread) for TREE · Code G, 5
Dominant hand
Right
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Touch
Palm orientation
G-hand palm towards face; 5-hand palm often down or forward
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
'Red-wood' or 'tree'
Body shift
No
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1.[en] Redwood trees are very tall. / BSL:[REDWOOD TALL VERY]
This is a compound sign, sequentially performing the signs for 'RED' and 'TREE'
Best fit: When discussing specific tree species, forests, or nature
Mirror focus
Focus on the smooth transition from the 'RED' component to the 'TREE' component
Catch the slip
Ensure the correct G-handshape for 'RED' and 5-handshape for 'TREE', and proper movement sequence
Use it today
1.[en] Redwood trees are very tall. / BSL:[REDWOOD TALL VERY]
Common mistakes: Forgetting the 'RED' component or signing only 'TREE'
When not to use it: When referring to a generic tree or a different specific tree type
Regional note: Rare
1.[en] I saw a giant redwood. / BSL:[I SAW GIANT REDWOOD]
2.[en] Redwood forests are beautiful. / BSL:[REDWOOD FOREST BEAUTIFUL]
3.[en] Is that a redwood? / BSL:[THAT REDWOOD QUESTION]
What is the BSL sign for redwood?
It's a compound sign combining the BSL signs for 'RED' and 'TREE' to specify this particular tree species.
How do you sign redwood in BSL?
First, sign 'RED' by touching your chin with a G-hand. Then, sign 'TREE' by placing your non-dominant arm as a trunk and moving your dominant 5-hand upwards, wiggling fingers.
Is redwood one-handed or two-handed in BSL?
It is a two-handed sign. While 'RED' is one-handed, the 'TREE' component requires both hands, making the compound sign two-handed overall.
What handshape is used for redwood in BSL?
The G-hand (index finger extended) is used for the 'RED' component, and the 5-hand (open palm, fingers spread) is used for the 'TREE' component.
How does redwood differ from similar signs in BSL?
It differs from just 'RED' by adding the 'TREE' component. It differs from a generic 'TREE' sign by specifically adding 'RED' first to denote the type of tree. Other specific tree signs (e.g., 'OAK') would use a different initial handshape or movement before the 'TREE' component.
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Word web
Giant sequoia (context dependent)
tree
forest
plant
wood
tall
tree
forest
plant
wood
tall
nature
The sign for 'redwood' is a compound. It combines 'RED' (G-hand touches chin) and 'TREE' (non-dominant arm as trunk, dominant 5-hand moves up, wiggling fingers). This differs from signing 'RED' alone, which lacks the tree component and two-handedness. It also differs from signing a generic 'TREE', which lacks the initial 'RED' specificity. Other tree types, like 'OAK', might start with a different handshape (e.g., O-hand) at the face before the 'TREE' component
Nature
botany
trees
environment
BSL redwood
sign for redwood
redwood sign language
British Sign Language redwood
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