What This Sign Means in BSL
The BSL sign for colour is a foundational and frequently used sign, representing the visual attribute of objects – reds, blues, greens, and all the shades in between. It’s a straightforward noun, ready to be paired with specific colour signs or used generally when discussing the spectrum of hues.
You’ll notice its unique placement and movement right away. By forming a precise handshape near the side of your mouth or cheek, you’re creating a sign that is both clear and visually memorable. It’s not just about naming a specific shade; it’s about acknowledging the concept of ‘colour’ itself.
This sign serves as your entry point into a vibrant world of description. Mastering it allows you to begin painting pictures with your hands, whether you’re describing a favourite jumper, a piece of art, or simply asking someone about the shade of their new car.
When This Sign Feels Natural
You’ll find yourself reaching for this sign constantly in everyday conversation. It feels most natural when you’re simply identifying a hue, asking about a preferred shade, or describing something visually. Think about situations like picking out clothes, discussing paintings, or even just commenting on the vibrancy of a sunset.
It’s a versatile sign that fits comfortably into both casual chats with friends and more formal discussions where visual descriptions are key. For instance, you might use it to ask, “What colour is your new phone?” or to describe, “The flowers have many different colours.” It’s universally understood and carries a neutral, descriptive tone.
While this sign refers to the general concept of visual colour, be mindful that BSL, like any language, has nuanced ways to express related ideas. If you’re talking about something being ‘colourless’ or ‘faded’, you might add other signs to modify the meaning. Similarly, when discussing concepts like ‘skin tone’ or ‘race’, specific BSL signs or phrases are often preferred to ensure clarity and cultural sensitivity, rather than relying solely on the general sign for colour.
What Learners Usually Miss
One common area where learners can be a little off with this sign is the precise handshape and movement. It’s not just a general wiggle; the key is to have your index finger extended, with your thumb specifically touching the side of your middle finger. Then, the movement is a gentle, repeated wiggling motion between your index finger and thumb, almost like a small, controlled pinch and release.
Another point of focus is the exact location. The sign is made specifically at the side of the mouth or cheek. Some learners might place it too far forward on the lips or too high on the cheekbone. Aim for that sweet spot where the corner of your mouth meets your cheek. This specific placement, combined with the delicate handshape and movement, gives the sign its authentic BSL feel and ensures it’s clearly understood.
Finally, avoid the temptation to over-exaggerate the movement or use an overly expressive facial expression unless you’re deliberately conveying strong emotion related to the colour (e.g., “shocking colour!”). For the basic sign for ‘colour’, a neutral or slightly inquisitive expression is usually all that’s needed. Maintain a relaxed wrist and arm, letting the small, precise finger movement do the work rather than involving your whole hand or arm in a large, sweeping gesture.
A Simple Way to Remember It
Remembering the BSL sign for colour can be surprisingly intuitive once you connect it to a few simple ideas. Think about how we perceive and describe colours in everyday life; the sign seems to subtly reflect these actions.
- “Tasting” or “Describing” a Shade: The sign’s location near the mouth might make you think of verbally describing a colour, or perhaps even metaphorically “tasting” its quality, like a sommelier describes wine.
- Picking out a Thread: The precise pincer-like action between your index finger and thumb can be imagined as carefully picking out a single thread of colour from a fabric, or selecting a specific shade from a palette.
- A Flash of Light: The repeated wiggling motion could represent the shimmering, changing quality of light and how it reveals different colours, or perhaps the quick glance you take at something to register its hue.
Short Practice Situations
- Try describing your favourite outfit: “My favourite top is a beautiful [BSL sign for colour] red.”
- Ask a friend about their new purchase: “What [BSL sign for colour] is your new car?”
- Discuss art or decoration: “I love the [BSL sign for colour] scheme in that painting; it’s so vibrant!”
- Point out something in your environment: “Look at the amazing [BSL sign for colour] of those autumn leaves.”
- Imagine planning a party: “We need to decide on the main [BSL sign for colour] for the decorations.”
Signs to Learn Next
- RED, BLUE, GREEN: Once you know the general sign for colour, you’ll naturally want to describe specific ones. These primary colours are excellent starting points to expand your descriptive vocabulary.
- BRIGHT / DARK: These signs often act as adjectives to modify ‘colour’, allowing you to describe the intensity or shade of a hue (e.g., ‘bright red’ or ‘dark blue’).
- PAINT / ART: These signs connect directly to the application and appreciation of colour, opening up conversations about creative expression and visual media.
- RAINBOW: This sign is a natural progression as it inherently represents a collection of many different colours, offering a chance to use your new sign in a broader context.
- DIFFERENT: Often used when discussing variety, including a variety of colours (e.g., “many different colours”), making it a useful companion sign.