How to sign “Papers” in BSL
BSL and ASL are different languages — this is the British sign. See the ASL sign for “Papers” instead
Step by step
- Close both hands into relaxed fists in front of your body.
- Bring the fists together so the outer edges meet at chest height.
- Tap the hands against each other twice, with two light, even beats.
- Keep both palms facing inward and the wrists relaxed through the taps.
- Keep the taps small and crisp — big swings start to look like clapping.
Practice tip
Plural of “Paper” — sign the base sign (often repeated) for more than one.
Fingerspell “Papers”
Letter by letter with the two-handed BSL alphabet — a handy backup if you forget the sign above. This is not the sign itself.
Text-based guide researched from BSL-specific references (BSL SignBank, BDA-adjacent teaching materials and BSL dictionaries) and rewritten in original words. Signer-created photos and videos are a planned future upgrade. BSL has regional variation — this is the most widely taught form.