Keep Up in British Sign Language (BSL)

The sign “keep up” in BSL is used to express the idea of staying current with information, trends, or conversations. It’s commonly used in discussions where someone wants to convey the importance of remaining engaged or informed, particularly in social or educational contexts within the UK Deaf community.

How to Sign “Keep Up”

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat handshape (like a ‘B’ handshape) and hold it at chest height, palm facing forward.
2. Move your hand slightly forward and upward in a small arc, while maintaining the flat handshape.
3. At the same time, raise your eyebrows to indicate a question or emphasis, as this adds to the meaning of staying engaged or informed.
4. For clarity, you can use your non-dominant hand to point to a person or a group when expressing who needs to “keep up.”

Common Mistakes

• Using the wrong handshape; some learners may start with a fist instead of a flat hand.
• Not using non-manual features like facial expression, which can change the meaning of the sign.
• Failing to use space effectively; keep your movements clear and directed towards the person or topic involved.

BSL vs ASL

In BSL, “keep up” focuses on the concept of staying informed or engaged. In contrast, ASL may use a different handshape and movement to convey a similar idea, often relying more on context and less on non-manual features. This highlights the differences in grammar and expression between the two sign languages.

Related Signs

• Stay – To remain in a certain state or location.
• Follow – To go after someone or something.
• Understand – To grasp the meaning or significance.
• Learn – To acquire knowledge or skills.
• Engage – To participate or become involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use “keep up” in a BSL sentence?

You can sign “keep up” followed by the topic or person you want to reference, for example, “You need to keep up with the news.”

Are there any regional variations for this sign in the UK?

While the sign is generally consistent, some regions may have slight variations in movement or facial expressions based on local Deaf culture.

What are some similar signs to “keep up”?

Signs like “follow” and “stay” convey related meanings, especially in contexts of participation or engagement.

What tips do you have for learning this sign?

Practice in front of a mirror to check your handshape and facial expressions. Also, try to use it in conversations to reinforce your learning.

Can “keep up” be used in both casual and formal settings?

Yes, this sign is versatile and can be used in a variety of contexts, from casual chats to more formal discussions.

Is “keep up” used differently in BSL compared to spoken English?

Yes, BSL relies heavily on non-manual features and spatial awareness, which can differ from how “keep up” is expressed in spoken English.