Waiting for a Long Time in British Sign Language (BSL)

The sign for “waiting for a long time” is commonly used in the UK Deaf community to express the feeling of anticipation that stretches over a significant period. Whether you’re talking about waiting for a friend to arrive or a long-awaited event, this sign conveys patience and time.

How to Sign “Waiting For A Long Time”

1. Start with both hands in a flat shape (like the letter ‘B’) positioned in front of your body, palms facing down.
2. Move your hands apart slowly, maintaining a flat shape, to indicate the passage of time.
3. As your hands move apart, lean your body slightly forward to show engagement with the action of waiting.
4. While performing the movement, maintain a neutral facial expression, then transition to a slight frown to indicate the duration of the wait.
5. Finish the sign by bringing your hands back together to reinforce the concept of waiting.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to incorporate facial expressions, which are crucial for conveying the emotion behind the sign.
• Rushing the hand movement, which can make the sign unclear; it’s important to emphasize the length of the wait.
• Not using the correct hand shape; ensure your hands are flat and properly positioned to convey the right meaning.

BSL vs ASL

In BSL, the sign for “waiting for a long time” uses a flat handshape, while in ASL, the sign may differ in handshape and movement. BSL often incorporates more facial expressions and body language, which are essential for comprehension in the Deaf community.

Related Signs

• Wait – A simple sign to express the action of waiting.
• Time – Useful for discussing various durations.
• Long – To describe length or duration.
• Patient – Related to the attitude one has while waiting.
• Anticipate – Signifying expectation or looking forward to something.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this sign in a sentence?

Yes! For example, you can sign “I am waiting for a long time” by introducing the topic with “I” followed by the sign for “waiting for a long time.”

Are there regional variations in this sign across the UK?

While the sign is generally consistent, some areas may have slight variations in handshape or movement. It’s good to observe local signers.

What are some similar signs?

Signs like Wait and Anticipate can convey similar feelings but with different nuances.

Any tips for learning this sign?

Practice in front of a mirror to check your handshape and movement. Also, watch native signers for their facial expressions and body language.

How can I incorporate this sign into conversation?

You can use it when discussing plans, delays, or experiences of waiting. It’s a great way to express frustration or patience.

Is there a specific context where this sign is more commonly used?

This sign is often used in social contexts, such as waiting for friends or events, where the duration of waiting is significant.