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Archive Replay
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Sign of the Day
log
The BSL sign for 'log' visually represents the object's cylindrical shape and size using both hands to indicate its length and girth
A1 Common Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
Today’s Snapshot
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Both hands loose C-shapes, fingers/thumb curved
Hands start near, move slightly apart to show length
Describing firewood, cut timber, or a fallen tree section
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 loose C-hands with both hands
- Place hands near each other in neutral space, palms facing
- Move hands smoothly apart to indicate log's length/girth
- Maintain C-shape throughout movement
Coach prompt
Practice forming the C-hands and smoothly moving them apart to represent different log sizes
Signature details
Handshape
Both hands loose C-shapes, fingers/thumb curved · Code C-hand variant
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Symmetric
Contact
Air
Palm orientation
Palms face each other, then slightly outward
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
Mouthing 'log' or 'wood' is common
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.
[en] The dog carried a small log. / BSL: DOG CARRY SMALL LOG
The distance hands move apart indicates the log's perceived length and girth
Best fit: Describing firewood, cut timber, or a fallen tree section
Mirror focus
Practice forming the C-hands and smoothly moving them apart to represent different log sizes
Catch the slip
Ensure C-hands are loose, not rigid. Maintain symmetry and smooth movement to convey shape accurately
Use it today
[en] The dog carried a small log. / BSL: DOG CARRY SMALL LOG
Common mistakes: Confusing with 'pipe' or simply 'wood'. Emphasise thickness
When not to use it: When referring to 'log in' (computer) or 'logbook'
Regional note: Generally consistent across UK
Cultural note: N/A
1.[en] We need more logs for the fire. / BSL: NEED MORE LOG FIRE.
2.[en] The carpenter cut the log. / BSL: CARPENTER CUT LOG.
3.[en] A huge log fell in the storm. / BSL: STORM FALL HUGE LOG
What do beginners often get wrong when signing log in BSL?
Beginners might make the C-hands too rigid or not move them symmetrically. They may also confuse it with signs for 'pipe' or 'wood' if they don't clearly convey the natural, rough texture implied by 'log'.
Does the BSL sign for log change by region or context?
The core sign for 'log' is quite stable across UK regions. However, the extent of the movement (how far hands separate) can vary slightly to depict different sizes of logs, adapting to context rather than region.
Is the BSL sign for log suitable for beginners or children?
Yes, it's a straightforward and iconic sign, making it very suitable for beginners and children. It directly represents the object's form, aiding comprehension and memorisation.
Which sign is most often confused with log in BSL?
The sign for 'pipe' is often confused, as it also uses C-hands to show a cylindrical shape. The difference lies in the implied material/texture (wood vs. metal/plastic) and often the context or non-manual features.
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Word web
Trunk
timber
lumber
wood
beam
N/A
Tree
wood
fire
forest
chop
Tree
Wood
Fire
Forest
Branch
The sign for LOG uses two C-hands moving apart to depict a solid, cut piece of wood. It differs from TREE, which often involves a dominant arm as the trunk and the other hand showing branches/leaves. It's distinct from WOOD, which can be a rubbing motion across the palm or indicating grain. LOG specifically emphasizes the form and size of a cut section. It's also different from PIPE, which while also cylindrical, implies a hollow structure and often a different material, sometimes with a more precise, rigid handshape
Nature
wood
forest
campfire
carpentry
Log
tree
trunk
timber
firewood
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