The translation of Philippians 1:1-2 in Dominican Sign Language is an example for the spatial nature of some sign languages by setting a stage.

Isela Trujillo (in The Bible Translator 2026, p. 118ff.) explains: “In the opening greeting (Philippians 1:1-2), the Deaf signer makes clear what kind of genre the audience will look at (a letter) and establishes the main stage for the entire letter, clearly locating the primary audience (the Philippians). This stage is depicted in [the figure below]. The apostle Paul, represented by the signer, occupies the center of the stage. From the signer’s perspective, the community of believers in Philippi, including the bishops and deacons, has been placed in front of him. God the Father is above him and to the right. Jesus Christ is on Paul’s right side and Timothy is on his left. It is important that in the distribution of space not one character should overlap the space of another one. This strategy is not different from the one used in narrative texts.”

The actual translation:

Philippians 1:1-2 in Dominican Sign Language (source: Traducción de la Biblia en lengua de señas de la República Dominicana )

For spatial use in sign languages see also back-translation of Luke 7:1-10 in Finnish Sign Language.