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Archive Replay
Monday, March 23, 2026
Sign of the Day
The sign for 'e-mail' uses the dominant hand to form the letter 'E' near the mouth, then opens it to a flat 'B' hand moving forward. This mimics sending an electronic message
A1 Very Common Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Dominant hand forms 'E', then opens to a flat 'B' hand
Starts with 'E' hand near mouth, then opens to flat hand moving forward
Discussing digital communication, asking for contact details
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 dominant hand into 'E'-handshape
- Place 'E'-hand near mouth/side of face
- Open 'E'-hand to a flat 'B'-handshape
- Move flat 'B'-hand forward away from face
Coach prompt
Practice smooth transition from E-hand to flat B-hand. Ensure forward movement
Signature details
Handshape
Dominant hand forms 'E', then opens to a flat 'B' hand · Code E>B-flat
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Air
Palm orientation
Forward (final)
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
Mouth 'e-mail'
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.
I will send you an e-mail
Often accompanied by mouthing 'email'
Best fit: Discussing digital communication, asking for contact details
Mirror focus
Practice smooth transition from E-hand to flat B-hand. Ensure forward movement
Catch the slip
Ensure initial E-hand is clear before opening. Maintain consistent forward path
Use it today
I will send you an e-mail
Common mistakes: Incorrect handshapes (E or B), wrong movement path
When not to use it: When referring to physical letters or other communication methods
Regional note: Minimal, widely understood
Cultural note: Reflects common adoption of English terms for new tech
1.[en] I will send you an e-mail. / BSL:[I SEND YOU E-MAIL]
2.[en] Did you get my e-mail? / BSL:[YOU RECEIVE MY E-MAIL Q-NMS]
3.[en] What is your e-mail address? / BSL:[YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS Q-NMS]
When would a learner use the BSL sign for e-mail?
A learner would use this sign to discuss digital messages, ask for someone's email address, or refer to sending/receiving electronic communication. It's essential for everyday tech conversations.
What do beginners often get wrong when signing e-mail in BSL?
Beginners often struggle with the smooth transition from the 'E' handshape to the flat 'B' hand, or neglect the forward movement, making it unclear whether they are signing 'E' or another word entirely.
Does the BSL sign for e-mail change by region or context?
The sign for 'e-mail' is generally quite standardised across different regions of the UK. While minor stylistic differences might exist, the core handshapes, movement, and location remain consistent.
Is the BSL sign for e-mail suitable for beginners or children?
Yes, it is a relatively simple and visually intuitive sign, making it suitable for beginners and children. It represents a common modern concept, so it's a useful early vocabulary item.
Which sign is most often confused with e-mail in BSL?
Learners might confuse it with fingerspelled 'E' or 'B' if the transition and movement are not clear. Some might also confuse it with the sign for 'send' if the handshape isn't precise.
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Word web
Email
electronic message
Letter
phone call
Internet
computer
message
send
receive
Internet
send
receive
computer
message
Compared to 'SEND', 'e-mail' starts with an 'E' handshape near the mouth, transitioning to a flat 'B' hand moving forward. 'SEND' typically starts with a flat 'B' hand near the body. 'MESSAGE' often involves a 'C' or 'O' handshape, sometimes tapping, without the specific 'E' to 'B' transition or mouth location of 'e-mail'
Technology
communication
internet
Email
electronic mail
message
send
receive
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