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Friday, January 10, 2025
Sign of the Day
problem
This two-handed symmetric sign uses G-handshapes. Both index fingers extend, moving towards each other to meet or tap, representing a convergence of conflicting elements or a 'sticking point'
A1 Very Common Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
Today’s Snapshot
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Both hands form G-handshape, index fingers extended
Both index fingers move towards each other, meeting or tapping
Discussing difficulties, challenges, or issues
Break It Down
Watch, build, and feel the movement
Use the numbered steps first, then check the sign anatomy cards to clean up the small details that make the sign look fluent instead of approximate.
How to form the sign
- Form G-handshape with both hands, index fingers extended
- Position hands in neutral space at chest height, palms facing each other
- Move both index fingers linearly towards each other
- Tap or meet index fingertips together
Coach prompt
Practice signing with clear G-handshapes and distinct meeting motion
Signature details
Handshape
Both hands form G-handshape, index fingers extended · Code G
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Symmetric
Contact
Tap
Palm orientation
Palms face each other initially
Eyebrows
Furrowed
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
Slight 'mm' or 'pff' shape
Body shift
None
Use It Today
Move from recognition to real-life use
Everything below is designed to make the sign sticky: where it feels natural, what learners miss, and how to use it without sounding robotic.
I have a problem
Can be accompanied by a questioning or concerned facial expression
Best fit: Discussing difficulties, challenges, or issues
Mirror focus
Practice signing with clear G-handshapes and distinct meeting motion
Catch the slip
Ensure both G-handshapes are clear; index fingers must meet or tap precisely
Use it today
I have a problem
Common mistakes: Incorrect handshape, unclear meeting movement, or using one hand
When not to use it: When a solution or answer is already known
Regional note: Minor variations in contact or location, but core sign is stable
Cultural note: N/A
1.[en] We have a problem. / BSL: WE HAVE PROBLEM
2.[en] What's the problem? / BSL: WHAT PROBLEM
3.[en] That's not my problem. / BSL: THAT NOT MY PROBLEM
Connect the Dots
Turn one sign into a small learning cluster
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Word web
Difficulty
issue
challenge
trouble
Solution
answer
ease
simplicity
Solve
obstacle
question
complicated
solution
question
difficult
solve
The sign for 'problem' (G-hands meet) is distinct from 'question' (one G-hand moves towards signer, often with a raised eyebrow) where the movement is singular and receptive. It can also be confused with a variant of 'issue' or 'topic' which might involve similar handshapes but often with a wiggling or circular motion of the fingers rather than a direct meeting, or 'conflict' which is more forceful and repeated. The key difference for 'problem' is the direct, singular meeting of the index fingers
Difficulty
challenge
issue
obstacle
trouble
question
difficulty
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