Quartern in British Sign Language (BSL)

The sign for “quartern” in British Sign Language (BSL) refers to a quarter, often used in contexts like time, measurements, or fractions. It’s a practical sign that you might encounter in everyday conversations, especially when discussing money or time.

How to Sign “Quartern”

1. Start by using your dominant hand in a flat “B” handshape (like a palm facing down). Your fingers should be together, and your thumb should be extended out to the side.
2. Position your hand at shoulder height, slightly in front of your body, with your palm facing down.
3. Move your hand to the side, away from your body, and then back towards your body in a smooth arc.
4. While performing the sign, maintain a neutral facial expression; however, you can raise your eyebrows slightly to indicate that you are talking about a fraction or a part.
5. Optionally, you can use the non-dominant hand to indicate what you are referring to, like a clock or a pie, to provide additional context.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to use the correct handshape; make sure your fingers are together in the “B” shape.
• Not using the non-manual features like facial expressions to indicate context, which is crucial in BSL.
• Moving the sign too quickly; ensure your movements are clear and deliberate to effectively convey the meaning.

BSL vs ASL

In American Sign Language (ASL), the sign for “quarter” differs significantly from BSL. ASL typically uses a different handshape and movement, often incorporating the use of fingers to represent numbers more explicitly. This highlights the unique structure and grammar within each sign language.

Related Signs

• 1 – The sign for the number one.
• 10 – The sign for the number ten.
• 100 – The sign for the number one hundred.
• 15 – The sign for the number fifteen.
• 16 – The sign for the number sixteen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use “quartern” in a BSL sentence?

You can use “quartern” in a sentence such as “Quartern past three” by signing “QUARTERN” followed by the sign for “THREE” to indicate the time.

Are there regional variations for the sign “quartern”?

While the sign is generally consistent, some regional variations may exist. It’s always great to learn from local Deaf community members.

What is a similar sign to “quartern”?

The sign for “half” is similar and often used in conjunction with “quartern” when discussing fractions.

What are some tips for learning this sign?

Practice in front of a mirror to check your handshape and movements. Watching videos of fluent signers can also be very helpful.

Can I use “quartern” in different contexts?

Yes, “quartern” can refer to time, fractions, or even portions of items like food, making it versatile in conversation.

What non-manual features should I use with “quartern”?

Using raised eyebrows and a focused expression helps convey the meaning more clearly, especially when discussing fractions.

How does context change the meaning of “quartern”?

Context, such as accompanying signs or facial expressions, will clarify whether you’re referring to time, measurements, or something else.