Wall Hanging in British Sign Language (BSL)

The sign for “wall hanging” in British Sign Language (BSL) refers to decorations or artworks that are hung on walls, commonly used in conversations about home decor. This sign might come up when discussing interior design, art exhibitions, or personal tastes in decoration within the UK Deaf community.

How to Sign “Wall Hanging” in BSL

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat handshape (palm facing down) and position it in front of your body at about chest height.
2. With your non-dominant hand, create a similar flat handshape and place it a few inches below your dominant hand.
3. Move your dominant hand slightly away from your non-dominant hand while maintaining the flat handshape, as if you are pulling a hanging object away from the wall.
4. While performing the movement, use facial expressions to convey the context, such as a smile when discussing something beautiful or an inquisitive look if asking about the type of wall hanging.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to use non-manual features, which are essential for conveying tone and context.
• Using a fist instead of a flat handshape, which can change the meaning of the sign.
• Not maintaining the correct distance between the hands, which may confuse the viewer about the concept being signed.

BSL vs ASL

In American Sign Language (ASL), the sign for “wall hanging” differs significantly from BSL. ASL typically uses a more direct sign that involves a simpler motion and may not use the same handshapes or facial expressions as BSL. This highlights the unique grammar and structure of each sign language.

Related Signs

• Artwork – Refers to any creative work that can be displayed, including paintings and sculptures.
• Decorate – The act of enhancing a space with decorative items, including wall hangings.
• Frame – Specifically refers to the border that holds a picture or artwork, often used in conjunction with wall hangings.
• Painting – A specific type of wall hanging, usually created with paint on canvas or other surfaces.
• Gallery – A space where artworks, including wall hangings, are displayed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use “wall hanging” in a sentence?

You can use it in a sentence like: “I like the wall hanging in the living room.” In BSL, structure it as: “Wall hanging, I like living room.”

Are there regional variations for this sign in the UK?

While the sign is generally consistent, some regions may have slight variations in movement or facial expressions based on local dialects within the Deaf community.

What is a similar sign to “wall hanging”?

A similar sign is “artwork,” which refers to any piece of art that can be displayed, including wall hangings.

What tips can you give for learning this sign?

Practice in front of a mirror to ensure your hand shapes and facial expressions match. Also, watch signers in the Deaf community to see how they use the sign in context.

Can I combine “wall hanging” with other signs?

Yes! You can combine it with signs for different types of art or adjectives to describe the wall hanging, like “beautiful” or “old.”

Is there a sign for different types of wall hangings?

Yes, you can modify the sign for “wall hanging” to specify types, such as “painting” or “tapestry,” using the relevant signs for those items.