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Monday, February 2, 2026
Sign of the Day
call
The BSL sign for 'call' is a one-handed sign using the G-handshape. It mimics the action of holding a phone to the ear or calling out, moving from near the ear/mouth slightly forward
A1 Very Common Verb British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Index finger and thumb extended, other fingers curled
Hand moves towards ear/mouth, then slightly forward
Making a phone call, shouting out, summoning a person
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 the G-handshape (index finger and thumb extended, others curled)
- Place hand near your ear or mouth, palm generally facing in or slightly forward
- Move the hand slightly forward in a short, straight line
- Optionally mouth 'call' or 'pah'
Coach prompt
Practice signing 'call' while mouthing 'call' or 'pah'. Ensure the handshape is distinct
Signature details
Handshape
Index finger and thumb extended, other fingers curled · Code G
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Near
Palm orientation
Towards signer or side
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
'Pah' or mouthing 'call'
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.
I will call you later
This sign typically represents 'to make a phone call' or 'to call out to someone'
Best fit: Making a phone call, shouting out, summoning a person
Mirror focus
Practice signing 'call' while mouthing 'call' or 'pah'. Ensure the handshape is distinct
Catch the slip
Ensure the index finger and thumb are extended, not other fingers. The movement is towards the ear/mouth, then forward
Use it today
I will call you later
Common mistakes: Incorrect handshape, unclear forward movement, mixing with 'talk'
When not to use it: Not for animal sounds or abstract 'calls' (e.g., a call for help)
Regional note: Minor variations in the exact forward movement or start position
Cultural note: Direct communication is valued, often accompanied by mouthing
1.[en] I will call you. / BSL:[Sign 'I' then 'call' then 'you']
2.[en] Please call me. / BSL:[Sign 'please' then 'call' then 'me']
3.[en] Did you call? / BSL:[Sign 'you' then 'call' then 'question mark']
When would a learner use the BSL sign for call?
A learner would use this sign primarily when referring to making a phone call or when literally calling out to someone. It covers both direct communication via phone and verbal summoning.
What do beginners often get wrong when signing call in BSL?
Beginners often use the wrong handshape, sometimes extending other fingers or using a flat hand. They may also miss the clear forward movement, making it look like 'phone' or 'talk' instead of 'call'.
Does the BSL sign for call change by region or context?
While the core handshape and movement are consistent across the UK, minor regional variations might occur in the exact starting position (near ear vs. near mouth) or the extent of the forward movement. Context usually dictates mouthing.
Is the BSL sign for call suitable for beginners or children?
Yes, it is a simple and common sign, making it very suitable for beginners and children. Its clear visual representation of a phone or calling action helps with memorization.
Which sign is most often confused with call in BSL?
It is often confused with 'phone' (same handshape, but repeated circular motion at ear) and 'talk'/'speak' (which typically uses a V-handshape or flat hand near the mouth).
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Word web
phone
ring
summon
contact
ignore
hang up
speak
talk
tell
ask
message
phone
speak
talk
message
contact
The BSL sign for 'call' (G-hand, moves towards ear/mouth then forward) is distinct from 'PHONE' (G-hand, circular motion at ear) which specifically refers to the act of telephoning. It also differs from 'SPEAK' or 'TALK' (V-hand or flat hand, moves from mouth outwards) which represents general verbal communication. The key difference for 'call' is its specific forward motion after approaching the ear/mouth, often implying sending the 'call' out
communication
phone
summon
contact
call
ring
Come Back Tomorrow
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