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Archive Replay
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Sign of the Day
think
The BSL sign for 'think' involves touching the temple with the index finger and moving it slightly forward, representing mental activity
A1 Very Common Verb British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
Today’s Snapshot
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Index finger extended, other fingers curled into a fist
Index finger touches temple and moves slightly forward
Used in general conversation for cognitive processes
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 a G-hand (index finger extended)
- Touch the tip of your index finger to your temple
- Move the finger slightly forward from the temple
Coach prompt
Practice signing 'think' with various non-manual markers for questioning or certainty
Signature details
Handshape
Index finger extended, other fingers curled into a fist · Code 1-hand
Dominant hand
Right
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Touch
Palm orientation
Forward/Side
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
'Th' mouth shape or neutral
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 think it's a good idea
Direction of movement or repetition can indicate intensity or duration
Best fit: Used in general conversation for cognitive processes
Mirror focus
Practice signing 'think' with various non-manual markers for questioning or certainty
Catch the slip
Ensure the index finger makes clear contact with the temple before moving forward. Avoid excessive force
Use it today
I think it's a good idea
Common mistakes: Confusing with 'know' or 'understand'
When not to use it: To express 'remember' or 'guess' directly, use specific signs
Regional note: Slight variations in contact point or movement length
Cultural note: Central to expressing internal states and opinions
1.[en] I think
BSL:[index finger to temple, forward motion]
2.[en] What do you think?
When would a learner use the BSL sign for think?
Learners use 'think' to express opinions, mental processes, or to ask others for their thoughts. It's fundamental for expressing cognitive states and beliefs in daily conversation.
What do beginners often get wrong when signing think in BSL?
Beginners sometimes confuse 'think' with signs like 'know' (flat B-hand to temple) or 'understand' (fist to temple, then open hand). Ensure the correct G-handshape and forward movement.
Does the BSL sign for think change by region or context?
The core sign for 'think' is widely understood across the UK. Minor regional variations might include the exact contact point on the temple or the speed/length of the forward movement, but the meaning remains consistent.
Is the BSL sign for think suitable for beginners or children?
Yes, 'think' is a very common and straightforward sign, making it highly suitable for both beginners and children. It's usually one of the first verbs learned in BSL.
Which sign is most often confused with think in BSL?
The sign for 'KNOW' is frequently confused with 'think'. 'Know' uses a flat B-handshape (palm flat) touching the temple, while 'think' uses an extended index finger (G-hand) at the temple.
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Word web
Consider
Ponder
Believe
Imagine
Ignore
Forget
Dismiss
Idea
Opinion
Mind
Understand
Learn
Idea
Know
Understand
Believe
The sign 'think' uses a G-hand (index finger extended) touching the temple and moving slightly forward. In contrast, 'KNOW' uses a flat B-hand (palm flat) touching the temple. 'UNDERSTAND' often starts with a fist at the temple and opens into a flat hand. 'BELIEVE' typically involves 'think' followed by 'true' (index finger from lips to flat hand). Learners must focus on the precise handshape and movement for each
Cognition
Mental process
Opinion
Think
Thought
Believe
Consider
cognition
opinion
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