Narrow in British Sign Language (BSL)

The sign “narrow” in British Sign Language (BSL) conveys the concept of something being thin or slender. It’s commonly used in various contexts, such as describing spaces, objects, or even ideas. You might use this sign when talking about a narrow street, a slim piece of furniture, or when discussing narrow viewpoints.

How to Sign “Narrow”

1. Start with both hands in a flat ‘B’ handshape, palms facing down.
2. Position your hands about shoulder-width apart in front of your body.
3. Slowly move your hands closer together, bringing them to a narrow distance (about a few inches apart).
4. As you do this, maintain a serious or focused facial expression to convey the concept of “narrow.”
5. Optionally, you can use your eyebrows to raise them slightly to indicate the topic of discussion is “narrow” to provide emphasis.

Common Mistakes

• Some learners confuse the sign for “narrow” with “wide” by incorrectly spreading their hands apart instead of bringing them together.
• Forgetting to incorporate facial expressions, which are vital in BSL to convey the meaning effectively.
• Misplacing hand positions, leading to unclear communication about the concept being described.

BSL vs ASL

In American Sign Language (ASL), the sign for “narrow” looks quite different. ASL often uses a different handshape and movement, focusing more on the fingers coming together rather than the flat hand approach used in BSL. This highlights the unique aspects of each sign language and their cultural contexts.

Related Signs

• Wide – The opposite of narrow, used to describe something broad or spacious.
• Thin – Used to refer to objects or people that have little thickness.
• Slim – Often used to describe a slender person or object.
• Tight – Describes something that is securely fastened or close-fitting.
• Close – Can be used to describe proximity or something that is not far apart.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use “narrow” in a BSL sentence?

You can use the sign “narrow” in sentences like “This path is narrow,” by placing “narrow” at the end of your sentence for clarity.

Are there regional variations for the sign “narrow”?

The sign for “narrow” is generally consistent across the UK, but you might find slight variations in hand movements or facial expressions in different areas.

What are some similar signs to “narrow”?

Signs like “thin” and “slim” are closely related, as they all describe dimensions and sizes, but each has its own context.

What tips do you have for learning this sign?

Practice in front of a mirror to check your hand shape and facial expressions, and consider filming yourself to spot any mistakes.

Can “narrow” be used in different contexts?

Yes, “narrow” can describe physical spaces, objects, or even figurative meanings, such as narrow perspectives.

What is the importance of facial expressions in BSL?

Facial expressions add emotional context and can change the meaning of signs, making them crucial for clear communication.