The characters inThe Bearsometimes use hand signals to communicate with one another. This is especially noticeable betweenCamry and Sydney, who use a specific American Sign Language sign to communicate with each other across the busy kitchen when needed. However, these two aren’t the only ones in the titular restaurant who utilize nonverbal communication. InThe Bearseason 4, Richie demonstrates a signal that finds its roots in the real-world service industry.
The Bearis recognized for its realistic portrayal of the inner workings of kitchens across America (and the world).It’s all chaos, passion, and a whole lot of food, andThe Bear’s unique approach to dialogue and filming drives this home. The FX series is loud, and the relationships at The Bear are tumultuous. However, one thing is evident throughout the series, and especially inThe Bearseason 4: these characters really want their business to succeed. Hand signals are one way to help make this happen.
Carmy’s First Hand Signal To Sydney In The Bear Season 4 Episode 1 Means “I’m Sorry”
Carmy & Sydney Borrowed An ASL Sign, But Other Signals In The Bear Are Unique To Restaurants
The hand signal most seen inThe Bearcomes directly from American Sign Language (ASL). Carmy and Sydney are often seen placing their closed fists on their chests and moving them in a small circle.This is the sign for “I’m sorry” in ASL, but these two characters have placed further weight on the gesture. Carmy explained previously inThe Bearthat two chefs he used to work for would use the ASL sign to indicate to one another that they had made a mistake they wished to discuss later. It was a way to essentially put a pin in a problem until service had ended.
Carmy and Sydney adopted this method of apologizing to one another and indicating a problem they needed to talk about later, but there are further signals used inThe Bearseason 4. Richie demonstrated one in particular while working with his wait staff, tapping two fingers on his lapel to indicate that he wanted them to come toward him. This isn’t American Sign Language, but insteadone of several manual signals often used by real-world restaurant staff to communicate across a busy room.
Why The Staff Uses Hand Signals In The Bear
Nonverbal Communication Is Useful In Dining Rooms
Thecharacters inThe Bearuse hand signals for the same reason that restaurant staff do in the real world. Restaurants are busy places, and though the kitchen is full of loud, verbal language, the staff must be more careful and courteous to guests in the dining room. Therefore,a variety of signals have been developed to help employees communicate without disturbing guests. According to theLos Angeles Times, some common restaurant hand signals include the following:
Hand signals are not the same as sign language. ASL and other signed languages are naturally occurring and allow fluent users to communicate complex thoughts to the same degree as spoken languages. Hand signals are used to represent simple verbal concepts.
As the dining room at The Bear becomes more efficient, we are sure to begin seeing these hand signals more. As for Carmy and Sydney’s use of a sign from American Sign Language, this is sure to continue as well. Carmy, especially, makes plenty of mistakes that require an apology inThe Bear, and in the chaos of the restaurant scene, borrowing signs is an effective way to keep things under control.
