Take Away Remove in British Sign Language (BSL)

The BSL sign for “take away” or “remove” is commonly used in various contexts, such as when talking about taking something from someone or clearing items away. This sign is an essential part of everyday communication within the UK Deaf community, reflecting a clear action that can be easily understood.

How to Sign “Take Away Remove” in BSL

1. Start with your dominant hand open, palm facing upwards, as if you are holding an object.
2. Position your hand in front of your body, around waist height, to indicate the object you are taking away.
3. Quickly move your hand away from your body, closing your fingers to form a fist as you do this. This motion reflects the action of taking something away.
4. Use a facial expression that matches the context of your sentence. For example, if you are expressing urgency, raise your eyebrows; for a more neutral statement, maintain a calm expression.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to close the fingers into a fist at the end of the sign, which can make the sign unclear.
• Performing the sign too slowly, which may not convey the intended meaning of “removing” quickly.
• Not using appropriate facial expressions, which are crucial for conveying the correct tone of the message.

BSL vs ASL

In BSL, the sign for “take away” involves a clear action of moving the hand away from the body with a fist formation, while in American Sign Language (ASL), the sign may differ in hand shape and movement. BSL often emphasizes the use of space and direction, which is less pronounced in ASL.

Related Signs

• CLEAR – To indicate making something free of items.
• REMOVE – Specifically about taking something away.
• GIVE – The opposite action of taking away.
• PUT – To place something down, which is often used in contrast.
• TAKE – To take something towards oneself, related but opposite in direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use “take away” in a BSL sentence?

You can use it as a topic-comment structure, e.g., “I want to take away the cup” would be signed by first indicating “cup” then performing the sign for “take away.”

Are there regional variations for this sign in the UK?

Most of the UK uses a similar sign for “take away,” but there may be slight variations in speed or facial expressions depending on the region.

What is a similar sign to “take away”?

The sign for “remove” is quite similar and can be used interchangeably in many contexts.

Any tips for learning this sign?

Practice in front of a mirror and focus on your facial expressions to ensure you’re conveying the right message.

Can I use this sign in a group conversation?

Yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to use this sign in group settings; just ensure everyone is aware of the context.

How does context change the meaning of the sign?

The sign’s meaning can shift based on your facial expressions and the surrounding signs, so always consider the full context.