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Archive Replay
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Sign of the Day
hollow block
The sign uses two 'C' hands to depict the shape and hollowness of a block
B2 Uncommon Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Technical
Today’s Snapshot
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Both hands form a 'C' shape, fingers and thumb curved
Hands outline a vertical rectangle, then move slightly apart
When discussing building materials or construction projects
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 'C' hands, palms facing each other
- Place hands outlining a vertical rectangle at chest height
- Move hands slightly outwards/apart
- Maintain 'C' shape throughout
Coach prompt
Sign "hollow block" clearly
Signature details
Handshape
Both hands form a 'C' shape, fingers and thumb curved · Code C
Dominant hand
N/A
Symmetry
Symmetric
Contact
Air
Palm orientation
Palms face each other, fingers pointing upwards/slightly forward
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
Mouth 'hollow block'
Body shift
No
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.
[en] We need hollow blocks for the wall. / BSL: (Sign HOLLOW BLOCK) (sign WALL) (sign NEED)
Emphasises the 'hollow' aspect by separating hands
Best fit: When discussing building materials or construction projects
Mirror focus
Sign "hollow block" clearly
Catch the slip
Ensure hands clearly depict the hollow space
Use it today
[en] We need hollow blocks for the wall. / BSL: (Sign HOLLOW BLOCK) (sign WALL) (sign NEED)
Common mistakes: Confusing with general 'box' or 'frame' signs
When not to use it: Not for a solid block or a general container
Regional note: Minor size depiction variations
Cultural note: Common UK construction material
1.[en] We built the shed with hollow blocks. / BSL:[Sign HOLLOW BLOCK]
2.[en] These blocks are very strong. / BSL:[Sign HOLLOW BLOCK]
3.[en] What material is this? / BSL:[Sign HOLLOW BLOCK]
What is the BSL sign for hollow block?
It involves both hands in a 'C' shape, outlining a rectangle, then separating slightly to indicate the hollowness of the block.
How do you sign hollow block in BSL?
Form both hands into 'C' shapes with palms facing each other. Outline a vertical rectangle in neutral space. Then, move hands slightly apart to show the hollow interior.
Is hollow block one-handed or two-handed in BSL?
The sign for 'hollow block' in BSL is a two-handed sign. Both hands are used symmetrically to depict the object's form.
What handshape is used for hollow block in BSL?
Both hands use a 'C' handshape. The fingers and thumb are curved to form the C-shape, representing the thickness of the block's walls.
How does hollow block differ from similar signs in BSL?
It differs from 'BOX' (often 'B' or '5' hands, sometimes closing) by showing hollowness and a specific rectangular shape. 'FRAME' also outlines a rectangle but uses different handshapes (e.g., 'G' hands) without the separation.
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Word web
Cinder block
breeze block
Solid block
brick
Brick
wall
concrete
construction
concrete
wall
building
construction
brick
block
The sign for 'hollow block' uses two 'C' hands outlining a rectangle and then separating slightly. This differs from 'BOX', which often uses 'B' hands or '5' hands to form a more general cube, sometimes closing or indicating a solid object. 'FRAME' (e.g., picture frame) also outlines a rectangle, but typically uses 'G' hands or 'L' hands, and does not include the separation that indicates hollowness. The 'C' handshape is key to representing the thickness of the block's walls
Building
construction
material
architecture
hollow block BSL
concrete block sign
building material BSL
Architecture
building
Construction
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