ignore

What This Sign Means in BSL

The BSL sign for ignore is a wonderfully direct and expressive verb. At its core, it means to deliberately pay no attention to someone or something. It’s not just about failing to notice; it carries the weight of a conscious decision to disregard. Imagine someone speaking, and you make a clear choice not to engage, not to listen, or not to acknowledge their presence – that's the essence this sign captures.

The sign itself, using a dominant B-hand sweeping across the face, visually represents an action of 'wiping away' or 'brushing aside' information, a person, or a stimulus from your awareness. It’s a very visual metaphor that clearly communicates the mental act of shutting something out. This makes it particularly effective in conveying a range of intensities, from a mild oversight to a pointed snub, often supported by your accompanying facial expression.

What makes this sign so impactful is its ability to convey nuance without needing extra signs. The motion across the face speaks volumes about diverting attention. It’s a concise and powerful way to express a withdrawal of focus or acknowledgment, whether it's ignoring a person, a comment, or even a responsibility. It's a key sign for discussing interpersonal dynamics or describing situations where one deliberately disengages.

When This Sign Feels Natural

You'll find the sign for "ignore" feels most natural in contexts where there’s a clear intent to disregard. For instance, if you're explaining that someone was talking but another person pointedly refused to engage, this sign fits perfectly. It’s excellent for narrating stories, describing social interactions, or even giving advice, such as telling someone, "Don't ignore the warning signs."

Consider the register: this sign can be used in both formal and informal settings, but its impact can shift. In a casual conversation, you might use it to describe a minor oversight. In a more serious discussion, especially when paired with a strong facial expression, it can convey a significant act of dismissal or disrespect. It’s a very versatile sign because the core meaning of intentional disregard applies across many scenarios.

However, it’s worth thinking about when you might choose a different sign. If you mean to politely decline an invitation, you’d use "no" or "refuse" rather than "ignore," as "ignore" implies a lack of acknowledgment that might be considered rude in some social contexts. Similarly, if you simply didn't *see* someone, you might sign "didn't see" or "missed," which doesn't carry the same intentionality as "ignore." Always consider the underlying motive and the social implications you wish to convey.

What Learners Usually Miss

Many learners initially focus solely on the handshape and movement, but often miss the critical role of facial expression. When you sign "ignore," your face should absolutely match the sentiment. A neutral or slightly dismissive expression is common, perhaps with a slight furrow of the brow or a narrowing of the eyes, conveying a conscious decision not to engage. Signing "ignore" with a big smile, for example, would be confusing and contradict the sign's meaning.

Another subtle point is the rhythm and direction of the movement. The B-hand should sweep smoothly and purposefully across the face, typically from your dominant side (e.g., right to left if you're right-handed) towards the non-dominant side. It’s not a quick, jerky motion, nor is it a hesitant one. The movement should feel like a deliberate act of 'wiping away' or 'pushing past' something from your line of sight or attention. Ensure the hand doesn't just float vaguely but makes a clear, consistent pass near the nose and eyes.

Finally, avoid overusing "ignore" when other signs might be more precise. Sometimes people use "ignore" when they actually mean "forget," "avoid," or "didn't understand." Remember, "ignore" implies a conscious, active choice to disregard. If you genuinely forgot something, use the sign for "forget." If you actively went out of your way to avoid someone, use "avoid." Be precise with your meaning to ensure your communication is clear and effective in BSL.

A Simple Way to Remember It

Think of the BSL sign for "ignore" as literally wiping something out of your immediate awareness or field of vision. The flat, slightly bent hand is like a mental broom, sweeping away what you don't want to engage with. The motion across the face directly symbolises moving something away from your senses, especially sight and hearing, which are vital for attention.

• The "Wipe" Action: Envision your hand literally wiping away a person or a distraction from your mind's eye. It’s a clear, deliberate sweep.
• Focus Shift: The movement from one side of your face to the other can represent shifting your focus *away* from something, actively redirecting your attention elsewhere.
• The B-Hand as a Barrier: The dominant B-hand, with its palm facing you, acts like a mental shield or a flat surface pushing away unwanted input, creating a barrier between you and what you're choosing to disregard.

Short Practice Situations

• My friend was talking loudly, but I decided to ignore the noise and focus on my book.
• When they tried to call my name, I chose to ignore them and kept walking.
• It's sometimes best to ignore negative comments and not let them affect you.
• Despite the warnings, some people still choose to ignore the safety instructions.
• I tried to explain, but they just completely ignored my advice.

Signs to Learn Next

• Dismiss: This sign is closely related as it also involves consciously putting something or someone aside. It connects because ignoring is often a form of dismissing someone's input or presence.
• Forget: While "ignore" is intentional, "forget" is often unintentional. Learning "forget" helps distinguish between actively choosing not to engage and simply losing memory of something.
• Avoid: "Avoid" means to stay away from something or someone. It connects to "ignore" because avoiding often involves ignoring someone's attempts to interact or something's presence.
• Refuse: This sign denotes a strong, definite "no." It's related because ignoring can be a silent way to refuse an interaction or a request without verbally responding.
• Look Away / Not See: These signs represent the physical act of averting gaze. This is connected to "ignore" as "looking away" is often a physical manifestation or a precursor to ignoring someone.