Quickly in British Sign Language (BSL)

The sign for “quickly” in British Sign Language (BSL) conveys a sense of speed or urgency. It’s often used in conversations about actions that need to happen fast, like “Can you do that quickly?” or “I need to leave quickly!” This sign is appreciated for its clarity and expressiveness within the UK Deaf community.

How to Sign “Quickly”

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat handshape (like a “B” handshape) with your palm facing down.
2. Position your hand in front of your body, about waist height, and slightly to the right (if you’re right-handed; left side if you’re left-handed).
3. Make a quick, forward movement of your hand, sliding it a short distance away from your body while keeping the handshape the same.
4. Accompany the movement with a facial expression that shows urgency or speed, such as raising your eyebrows or widening your eyes.
5. For emphasis, you can repeat the motion a couple of times or add a non-manual sign for ‘fast’ by shaking your head slightly to show urgency.

Common Mistakes

• Using a static handshape without movement, which can make the sign unclear.
• Failing to use appropriate facial expressions, which are key for conveying the meaning of “quickly.”
• Not using the correct space in front of the body, which can lead to misinterpretation.

BSL vs ASL

In BSL, the sign for “quickly” involves a specific handshape and movement. In contrast, American Sign Language (ASL) may use a different handshape and a varied motion to convey the same idea. Understanding these differences can enhance communication across cultures.

Related Signs

• Fast – A sign that emphasizes speed.
• Hurry – Used to indicate urgency in a situation.
• Speed – Refers to the general concept of quickness.
• Urgent – Indicates something that needs immediate attention.
• Rapid – A sign for very quick actions or movements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use “quickly” in a BSL sentence?

Yes! For example, you could sign “I need to go quickly” by signing “I” (point to yourself), “NEED” (sign for need), and then “QUICKLY.”

Are there regional variations of this sign in the UK?

Generally, “quickly” remains consistent across the UK; however, some regions may have slight variations in speed or emphasis.

What other signs are similar to “quickly”?

Related signs include “fast” and “hurry,” which also convey a sense of speed.

What tips do you have for learning this sign?

Practice the movement in front of a mirror, focusing on the handshape and facial expressions to ensure clarity.

How can I use “quickly” in a conversation?

You might say, “Can you do this quickly?” by signing “YOU CAN DO THIS QUICKLY.”

Is it necessary to use facial expressions when signing “quickly”?

Yes, facial expressions are crucial in BSL as they add meaning and context to the sign.