Under the Table in British Sign Language (BSL)

The sign for “under the table” in BSL is used to indicate a position beneath a table. It’s commonly used in everyday conversations, especially when discussing food, hiding something, or describing a location in a playful manner within the Deaf community.

How to Sign “Under The Table In Bsl”

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat handshape (like a ‘B’ handshape) and position it horizontally above your non-dominant hand, which should be in a flat handshape as well, representing the table surface.
2. Maintain a neutral facial expression to indicate that this is a statement. Your eyes should direct towards the space where the table would be.
3. Move your dominant hand downwards into the space beneath your non-dominant hand, showing the action of going “under” the table.
4. Finish the sign by holding the dominant hand in the lower position for clarity, ensuring your expression reflects the context of the sentence.

Common Mistakes

• Omitting the non-dominant hand, which is essential to show the table’s position.
• Using a flat hand shape instead of the correct ‘B’ handshape, which may confuse the meaning.
• Not using appropriate facial expressions, which can lead to misunderstandings about the context or intent of the sign.

BSL vs ASL

In BSL, the sign for “under the table” involves a clear representation of the table with both hands. In contrast, ASL uses a different handshape and movement to convey the same concept. This highlights the unique structure and visual nature of each sign language.

Related Signs

• Table – The sign for a table itself.
• Food – Useful when discussing meals that might be on the table.
• Hide – If something is hidden under the table.
• Below – Related to indicating a position beneath something.
• Play – Often used in contexts involving children playing under a table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can “under the table” be used in different contexts?

Yes, it can refer to physical locations, hiding, or even metaphorical uses such as referring to secretive actions.

Are there regional variations in how this sign is made?

While the core sign remains consistent, some regions may have slight variations in handshape or movement. It’s always good to learn from local signers.

What signs are similar to “under the table”?

Signs like “below,” “hide,” and “table” are closely related and can be used in similar contexts.

How can I improve my signing of this phrase?

Practice the hand movements in front of a mirror and focus on using the correct facial expressions to convey meaning effectively.

Can I use this sign in a sentence?

Absolutely! For example, you could say, “The cat is under the table,” using appropriate signs for both “cat” and “is.”

Is it common to use this sign in storytelling?

Yes, it’s often used in storytelling, especially in situations involving playful scenarios like hiding or seeking.