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Friday, May 22, 2026
Sign of the Day
protect
Sign for "protect" involves a dominant flat hand shielding a non-dominant fist
A2 Common Verb British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Dominant hand flat, fingers together, thumb tucked (B-hand). Non-dominant hand forms a fist (S-hand)
Dominant flat hand moves over non-dominant fist in a downward arc
Used when discussing safety, security, or guardianship
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 B-hand, palm down
- Form non-dominant S-hand (fist), palm towards dominant
- Place dominant hand above non-dominant fist
- Move dominant hand in a downward arc, covering the fist
Coach prompt
Practice the dominant hand's shielding movement over the non-dominant fist
Signature details
Handshape
Dominant hand flat, fingers together, thumb tucked (B-hand). Non-dominant hand forms a fist (S-hand) · Code B-hand (dominant), S-hand (non-dominant)
Dominant hand
Right
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Near
Palm orientation
Dominant hand: palm down or towards non-dominant side. Non-dominant hand: palm towards dominant
Eyebrows
Furrowed
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
Poh or Pro
Body shift
Slight lean forward for emphasis
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.
We must protect the environment
Can be directed towards a specific person or object/concept
Best fit: Used when discussing safety, security, or guardianship
Mirror focus
Practice the dominant hand's shielding movement over the non-dominant fist
Catch the slip
Ensure a clear B-handshape and a distinct downward arc for shielding
Use it today
We must protect the environment
Common mistakes: Confusing with 'cover' or lacking clear shielding motion
When not to use it: When the meaning is literally 'cover an object' without safety
Regional note: Minor variations in hand placement, core meaning consistent
Cultural note: Reflects the importance of guardianship and care in community
1.[en] Protect them. / BSL:[Sign PROTECT, point to referent]
2.[en] I will protect you. / BSL:[Sign I PROTECT YOU]
3.[en] Protect the environment. / BSL:[Sign PROTECT ENVIRONMENT]
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Word web
Guard
defend
shield
safeguard
Attack
harm
endanger
Safety
secure
care
danger
Safeguard
defend
safety
secure
shield
"Protect" uses a dominant B-hand shielding a non-dominant S-hand with an arc, focusing on safety. "Cover" uses a similar B-hand but often a broader, more literal covering motion, without the explicit safety connotation. "Keep" typically involves pulling an S-hand or B-hand towards the body, signifying retention rather than active safeguarding
Safety
security
guardianship
care
BSL protect
sign for protect
British Sign Language protect
safety
Security
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