Learn how to sign Tradition in BSL. There are various signs for ‘tradition’ and some variations are linked with the slight differences in contexts. This video highlights three versions. In BSL, it’s important to choose signs that visually fit your context but if you’re unsure, the first version is common so we’d recommend using that one.
The first version is the letter F throughout time, which could be remembered by linking it with the sign for ‘family’ as tradition often refers to customs passed down through generations. A slight variation of this version has the fingers pointing upwards but retaining the letter F handshape.
The second version is depictive of a story moving through time, or something that carries on throughout time.
The third version can be used if something happens at regular occasions over time. If the specific tradition is linked with something that happens regularly, you may choose this version.
Some signers will use the sign for ‘always’ which represents something that happens frequently. Others may use the sign for ‘handed down’ which traditions often are.
The example sentence in English is: At Christmas my family tradition is to play Secret Santa at the dinner table.
