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Saturday, August 30, 2025
Sign of the Day
when
The BSL sign for 'when' is a one-handed G-hand sign performed near the temple, used to ask about time
A1 Very Common Adverb British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Index finger extended straight up, other fingers curled into palm, thumb tucked
Index finger taps or circles gently near the temple repeatedly
Asking about time, occasion, or timing of events
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How to form the sign
- Form a G-hand with dominant hand
- Place index finger near temple
- Palm facing head, slight backward angle
- Tap or circle index finger repeatedly
- Ensure eyebrows are raised
Coach prompt
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Signature details
Handshape
Index finger extended straight up, other fingers curled into palm, thumb tucked · Code G-hand
Dominant hand
Right
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Near
Palm orientation
Palm usually faces inward towards the head, or slightly back
Eyebrows
Raised
Eye gaze
At referent
Head movement
Forward
Mouth morpheme
Often 'POW' or 'Pah' mouth pattern for questions
Body shift
None
Use It Today
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When will you arrive?
Always use with raised eyebrows and a forward head tilt for questions
Best fit: Asking about time, occasion, or timing of events
Mirror focus
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Catch the slip
AI can highlight if eyebrows are neutral instead of raised, or if the handshape isn't a clear G-hand
Use it today
When will you arrive?
Common mistakes: Confusing with 'where' or using incorrect non-manuals
When not to use it: When the question is about 'if' or 'whether', not time
Regional note: Minor variations exist, but core handshape and location are consistent
Cultural note: Important for clear communication in BSL, often initiating a time-related topic
1.[en] When are you free? / BSL:[Sign WHEN, then YOU FREE]
2.[en] When did it happen? / BSL:[IT HAPPEN, then WHEN]
3.[en] When will you go? / BSL:[YOU GO, then WHEN]
When would a learner use the BSL sign for when?
Learners use 'when' to ask questions about time, timing, or the occasion of an event. It's fundamental for discussing schedules and past or future actions.
What do beginners often get wrong when signing when in BSL?
Beginners often forget the crucial non-manual features: raised eyebrows and a slight forward head tilt. These are essential for conveying it's a question, not just a statement.
Does the BSL sign for when change by region or context?
While the core sign (G-hand near temple, repeated movement) is widely understood, some minor regional variations in the exact movement (tap vs. circle) may occur, but the meaning remains consistent.
Is the BSL sign for when suitable for beginners or children?
Yes, it is one of the foundational BSL question words and is absolutely suitable for beginners and children. It's often taught early in BSL learning.
Which sign is most often confused with when in BSL?
It can sometimes be confused with 'where' (often G-hand forward, twisting) or 'how' (two B-hands). The distinct head location and non-manuals prevent confusion.
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Word web
At what time
On what occasion
Never
Time
What
How
Where
Why
What
Where
Why
How
Time
The sign for WHEN (G-hand, near temple, repeated) is often confused with WHERE (G-hand, forward, twisting movement) and HOW (two B-hands, knuckles together, twist). The key difference for WHEN is its specific location at the temple and the circular/tapping movement, combined with raised eyebrows, distinguishing it clearly from other interrogatives
Question
Time
Interrogative
Temporal
When BSL
ask when
time question
interrogative adverb
interrogative
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