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Archive Replay
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Sign of the Day
address
This sign for 'address' (noun) in BSL combines an initial touch at the lips with an index finger (like 'speak') and then forms a P-hand moving forward. The P-hand often signifies 'post' or 'place', making it distinct for a physical address
A1 Common Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
Today’s Snapshot
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Index finger extended, then index and middle fingers extended parallel (P-hand)
Tap lips once, then move hand forward in short arc
Asking or giving residential, business, or contact addresses
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 a G-hand (index finger extended)
- Lightly tap your index fingertip on your lips
- Transition hand to a P-hand (index and middle fingers extended, parallel)
- Move the P-hand forward a short distance from your lips
Coach prompt
Practice signing "address" and then incorporating it into simple questions like "Your address?"
Signature details
Handshape
Index finger extended, then index and middle fingers extended parallel (P-hand) · Code P-hand: index and middle fingers extended, parallel; thumb tucked
Dominant hand
Right
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Tap
Palm orientation
Begins palm inward/down, ends palm forward/down
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
Often mouthing "address" or "P"
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.
My address is in London
The 'P' handshape may relate to 'postcode' or 'place'
Best fit: Asking or giving residential, business, or contact addresses
Mirror focus
Practice signing "address" and then incorporating it into simple questions like "Your address?"
Catch the slip
Ensure clear P-hand formation and distinct forward movement after tapping the lips
Use it today
My address is in London
Common mistakes: Confusing with "speak" or "say", not forming P-hand clearly
When not to use it: When referring to a formal speech (different sign)
Regional note: Minor differences in hand placement or movement speed
Cultural note: Important for sharing contact details safely within the Deaf community
1.[en] What's your address? / BSL:[q]
2.[en] I need the address. / BSL:[statement]
3.[en] My address changed. / BSL:[statement]
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Word web
Home
location
residence
place
None
Postcode
house
letter
contact
Home
Postcode
Location
House
Ask
This sign for "address" (noun, location) can be confused with "SPEAK/TALK" and "SAY". "SPEAK/TALK" typically uses a G-hand (index finger extended) that taps the lips and moves outwards or repeats. "SAY" is similar, often a G-hand tapping the chin or mouth. "ADDRESS" is distinguished by its crucial second phase: after the initial lip tap (often with a G-hand), the hand clearly forms a P-hand (index and middle fingers extended parallel) which then moves forward, signifying a 'postcode' or 'place'
Location
contact
personal information
directions
Address
location
home
where live
postcode
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