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Archive Replay
Monday, July 21, 2025
Sign of the Day
name
The sign 'name' in BSL uses two hands. The dominant hand, with index and middle fingers extended, taps the extended index finger of the non-dominant hand at chest level, often with the mouth pattern 'name'
A1 Very Common Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Dominant hand: index and middle fingers extended. Non-dominant hand: index finger extended
Dominant H-hand taps the non-dominant G-hand
Introducing oneself, asking others' names, discussing identity
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 H-hand with dominant hand
- Form G-hand with non-dominant hand
- Position non-dominant G-hand index finger forward at mid-chest
- Tap dominant H-hand onto non-dominant G-hand's index finger
- Repeat tapping motion once or twice
Coach prompt
Practice signing 'name' while mouthing the word. Use it in 'My name is...' sentences
Signature details
Handshape
Dominant hand: index and middle fingers extended. Non-dominant hand: index finger extended · Code Dominant H-hand, Non-dominant G-hand
Dominant hand
Right
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Tap
Palm orientation
Dominant: down/towards body. Non-dominant: up/forward
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
name (or mouthing English word)
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 name is Sarah. What is your name?
Often accompanied by mouthing 'name' or fingerspelling for clarity
Best fit: Introducing oneself, asking others' names, discussing identity
Mirror focus
Practice signing 'name' while mouthing the word. Use it in 'My name is...' sentences
Catch the slip
Ensure dominant H-hand taps the non-dominant G-hand clearly. Check location is mid-chest
Use it today
My name is Sarah. What is your name?
Common mistakes: Incorrect handshapes, wrong location or movement
When not to use it: N/A
Regional note: Minor variations in tapping exist but core elements are consistent
Cultural note: Asking someone's name is a fundamental part of introduction in BSL
1.[en] My name is John. / BSL:[MY NAME JOHN]
2.[en] What is your name? / BSL:[YOUR NAME WHAT]
3.[en] Please tell me your name. / BSL:[PLEASE TELL ME YOUR NAME]
When would a learner use the BSL sign for name?
Learners use this sign when introducing themselves, asking for others' names, or discussing identity. It's fundamental for basic conversations and social interaction.
What do beginners often get wrong when signing name in BSL?
Common mistakes include incorrect handshapes (e.g., using a B-hand instead of H-hand), inaccurate tapping movement, or placing the sign too high or low. The precise contact point is key.
Does the BSL sign for name change by region or context?
While the core handshapes, movement, and location are widely consistent across the UK, minor regional variations in the exact number of taps or palm orientation might occur. Context generally doesn't alter the sign itself.
Is the BSL sign for name suitable for beginners or children?
Yes, it is one of the first and most essential signs taught to beginners and children. Its clear structure and high frequency make it very accessible for early learning.
Which sign is most often confused with name in BSL?
It can sometimes be confused with variations of 'identify' or 'called' due to similar handshapes and location, but the specific tapping movement and non-dominant G-hand distinguish 'name'.
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Word web
Identity
title
appellation
Anonymous
Called
known
identify
Introduce
Identity
Ask
What
My
The sign for NAME uses the dominant H-hand tapping the non-dominant G-hand's extended index finger at the chest. This is distinct from IDENTIFY, which often uses a single H-hand tapping the chest, or CALL, which frequently involves a G-hand at the mouth moving outwards. Learners should focus on the two-handed interaction and specific handshapes for NAME to avoid confusion
Introduction
identity
personal information
Name BSL
What's your name sign
My name is
Come Back Tomorrow
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