Quickening in British Sign Language (BSL)

The sign “quickening” in BSL refers to the moment when a pregnant person begins to feel the baby’s movements, typically around the 16th to 25th week of pregnancy. This sign is commonly used in conversations about pregnancy and childbirth within the UK Deaf community.

How to Sign “Quickening” in BSL

1. Start with both hands in a flat palm shape (like a ‘B’ handshape).
2. Position your hands in front of your body, about chest height.
3. Make a gentle upward movement with both hands, as if mimicking the action of something moving inside you.
4. As you move your hands, use a soft facial expression to convey the joy or excitement of feeling the baby move.
5. Optionally, you can nod your head slightly to emphasize the feeling of movement.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to use facial expressions, which can convey emotion and context in BSL.
• Using a static hand position instead of incorporating movement to represent the baby’s movements.
• Not maintaining the correct handshape, which can lead to misunderstanding the sign’s meaning.

BSL vs ASL

The sign for “quickening” in BSL is quite different from the American Sign Language (ASL) version. In ASL, the sign may involve a different handshape and movement that does not directly translate to the BSL sign. This highlights the importance of learning signs within the context of their respective sign languages.

Related Signs

• 1 – The sign for the number one in BSL.
• 10 – The sign for the number ten in BSL.
• 12 – The sign for the number twelve in BSL.
• 15 – The sign for the number fifteen in BSL.
• 100 – The sign for the number one hundred in BSL.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You might say, “I feel the quickening,” by signing “I” followed by the sign for “quickening” and then facially expressing your feelings about it.

Are there regional variations for this sign in the UK?

While the sign for “quickening” is generally consistent, some regions may have slight variations in handshape or movement. It’s always good to observe local signing.

What are some similar signs to “quickening”?

Related signs include “pregnant,” “baby,” and “movement,” which all relate to the context of childbirth and pregnancy.

What tips do you have for learning this sign?

Practice with a mirror to ensure your handshape and facial expression are accurate. Watching videos of native signers can also be helpful.

Can I use this sign in formal settings?

Yes, “quickening” can be used in both casual and formal conversations about pregnancy, especially in appropriate contexts.

How do I sign “quickening” in a story?

In storytelling, you can emphasize the sign with animated movements and expressions to convey the excitement of the moment.