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Saturday, May 24, 2025
Sign of the Day
frame support
BSL sign for 'frame support' uses two hands to depict a foundational structure
B1 Common Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Dominant: index and thumb extended (G-hand). Non-dominant: flat hand (B-hand)
Dominant hand rises from below to meet non-dominant hand
Describing structural elements or foundational frameworks
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
- Dominant hand: G-hand, palm up
- Non-dominant hand: B-hand, palm down at chest
- Dominant hand rises to touch non-dominant
- Dominant hand supports non-dominant
Coach prompt
Practice forming a G-hand with dominant hand and B-hand with non-dominant
Signature details
Handshape
Dominant: index and thumb extended (G-hand). Non-dominant: flat hand (B-hand) · Code Dominant: G-hand. Non-dominant: B-hand
Dominant hand
Right
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Touch
Palm orientation
Dominant: palm up/inward. Non-dominant: palm down/forward
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
None
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 bridge requires strong frame support
Refers to a structural element providing stability
Best fit: Describing structural elements or foundational frameworks
Mirror focus
Practice forming a G-hand with dominant hand and B-hand with non-dominant
Catch the slip
Ensure dominant hand rises clearly from below to meet non-dominant hand
Use it today
The bridge requires strong frame support
Common mistakes: Confusing with general 'build' or 'structure' signs
When not to use it: When referring to a literal picture frame
Regional note: Limited
Cultural note: N/A
1.[en] The frame supports the roof. / BSL:[STRUCTURE HOLD]
2.[en] It needs new frame support. / BSL:[NEW FRAME SUPPORT]
3.[en] Build a strong frame. / BSL:[BUILD STRONG FRAME]
What is the BSL sign for frame support?
It's a two-handed sign where the dominant G-hand rises to meet and support the non-dominant flat B-hand at chest level.
How do you sign frame support in BSL?
Form a G-hand with your dominant hand, palm up. Form a flat B-hand with your non-dominant hand, palm down. Bring the G-hand up from below to meet and support the B-hand at chest height.
Is frame support one-handed or two-handed in BSL?
It is a two-handed sign. Both hands are involved, with the dominant hand performing the main action of rising to support the non-dominant hand.
What handshape is used for frame support in BSL?
The dominant hand uses an extended index finger and thumb (G-hand). The non-dominant hand uses a flat hand (B-hand).
How does frame support differ from similar signs in BSL?
It differs from 'BUILD' (two C-hands stacking) by its G-hand/B-hand configuration and supporting action. 'STRUCTURE' often uses two 5-hands showing a framework. 'FRAME' (e.g., picture frame) uses index fingers to outline a rectangle.
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Word web
Structure
framework
brace
support
Collapse
dismantle
instability
Structure
building
foundation
support
beam
Structure
Foundation
Support
Beam
BUILD: Uses two C-hands (or similar) stacking or outlining, depicting construction. 'Frame support' uses G-hand/B-hand for a specific supporting structure. STRUCTURE: Often uses two open 5-hands moving to show a general framework. 'Frame support' is more about the foundational element providing stability. FRAME (picture): Uses index fingers to draw a rectangle in the air, focusing on a border, not internal support
Construction
architecture
engineering
furniture
BSL frame
BSL support structure
framework sign
Architecture
Furniture
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