Take a Breath in British Sign Language (BSL)

The sign for “take a breath” is commonly used in the UK Deaf community to indicate the action of inhaling or to suggest someone take a moment to pause and reflect. It’s a versatile sign that can be used in various contexts, such as during conversations about relaxation, mindfulness, or even when discussing the importance of breathing in stressful situations.

How to Sign “Take A Breath” in BSL

1. Start with both hands in front of your chest, palms facing down.
2. Form a flat hand shape (like a ‘B’ handshape) with both hands.
3. Slowly move both hands outward and slightly upward, as if you are expanding your chest.
4. While moving your hands, take a deep breath in. Make sure to exaggerate the movement to show the action of inhaling.
5. As you finish the movement, bring your hands back to the starting position, indicating the completion of the breath.
6. Facial expressions play a key role; maintain a relaxed and calm expression to convey the meaning effectively.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to use facial expressions, which are crucial in BSL to convey the context and emotion.
• Rushing the sign, which can lose the intended meaning; it should be performed slowly to reflect the action of breathing.
• Not using the space effectively; the movement should be clear and visible, using the space in front of you to represent the inhalation.

BSL vs ASL

In BSL, the sign for “take a breath” focuses on the physical action of inhaling, using both hands to illustrate the movement. In contrast, ASL typically uses a single handshape and may incorporate different movements or facial expressions. This highlights the distinct grammatical and visual nature of each sign language.

Related Signs

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use “take a breath” in a BSL sentence?

You can say something like, “Take a breath, relax,” by signing “take a breath” followed by the sign for “relax.” This emphasizes the importance of calming down.

Are there regional variations for this sign?

This sign is generally consistent across the UK, but individual preferences may vary slightly in hand movement or speed.

What are some similar signs to “take a breath”?

Signs like “calm” or “relax” are similar in context and can often be used in conjunction with “take a breath.” Each sign emphasizes a different aspect of relaxation.

What are some tips for learning this sign?

Practice in front of a mirror to see your facial expressions and hand movements. Watching videos of native BSL users can also help you grasp the nuances.

How does facial expression impact the sign?

Facial expression adds emotion and context to the sign, making it more effective and relatable. A calm expression aligns with the meaning of taking a breath.

Can I incorporate this sign in storytelling?

Absolutely! Using “take a breath” in storytelling can help convey moments of tension or relaxation, enhancing the narrative.