Natural Depression in British Sign Language (BSL)

The sign for “natural depression” in BSL refers to a geological or environmental feature, often used when discussing landscapes or topography. It’s commonly used in educational contexts, particularly in geography or when describing nature. Members of the UK Deaf community may use this sign when sharing information about locations or discussing the natural world.

How to Sign “Natural Depression”

1. Start with both hands in a flat ‘B’ shape, palms facing down.
2. Position your hands in front of your body, about waist height.
3. Move your hands downwards together, mimicking the shape of a depression in the ground.
4. As you move your hands down, slightly bend your knees and lower your body to emphasize the downward motion.
5. Use a facial expression that conveys the concept of a dip or decline, such as raising your eyebrows slightly.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to use the topic-comment structure, which can make the sign unclear.
• Inconsistent hand movements; it’s important that the downward motion clearly represents a depression.
• Neglecting non-manual features, such as facial expressions, which are essential for conveying meaning in BSL.

BSL vs ASL

In BSL, “natural depression” is signed with a downward motion using both hands, while in ASL, the sign may use different hand shapes and movements. BSL emphasizes the topic-comment structure more explicitly than ASL, which relies on different grammatical markers.

Related Signs

• 1 – The sign for the number one.
• 100 – The sign for the number one hundred.
• 10 – The sign for the number ten.
• 11 – The sign for the number eleven.
• 12 – The sign for the number twelve.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use “natural depression” in a BSL sentence?

You can use it in a sentence like, “The natural depression is beautiful,” by signing “NATURAL DEPRESSION, BEAUTIFUL.”

Are there regional variations for this sign in the UK?

While the sign is generally consistent, some regions may have slight variations in hand shapes or movements.

What are some similar signs to “natural depression”?

Similar signs include “valley,” “hill,” and “dip,” which all relate to geographical features.

Can I use this sign in informal contexts?

Yes, it can be used informally when discussing nature with friends or in educational settings.

What tips do you have for learning this sign?

Practice in front of a mirror to ensure your movements and facial expressions are clear. Watch videos of native signers for reference.

How is this sign incorporated into storytelling?

When telling a story about a landscape, you can use “natural depression” to describe the setting effectively.