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Sunday, June 1, 2025
Sign of the Day
argue
The BSL sign for 'argue' uses both flat hands moving alternately forward and back, typically at chest height, often accompanied by furrowed brows and a tense facial expression to convey disagreement
A2 Common Verb British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Both hands, flat, fingers together, thumb tucked or alongside palm
Both hands move alternately forward and back
Discussions, disagreements, debates, conflicts, verbal disputes
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 flat B-hands, fingers together, thumb tucked
- Position hands mid-chest, palms facing each other
- Move one hand forward, then the other, alternately
- Repeat action with a tense facial expression
Coach prompt
Sign 'argue' with varying intensity, focus on alternating hand movement and NMF for different contexts
Signature details
Handshape
Both hands, flat, fingers together, thumb tucked or alongside palm · Code B-hand (modified)
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Symmetric
Contact
Air
Palm orientation
Palms typically face each other, or slightly forward/down
Eyebrows
Furrowed
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
Pah, pow, or tsk for intensity
Body shift
Slight forward lean, tense shoulders
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.
They argued for hours about politics
Non-manual features (NMF) are crucial for conveying the tone and intensity of the argument
Best fit: Discussions, disagreements, debates, conflicts, verbal disputes
Mirror focus
Sign 'argue' with varying intensity, focus on alternating hand movement and NMF for different contexts
Catch the slip
Ensure both hands move alternately, not simultaneously. Add appropriate non-manual features for full meaning and intensity
Use it today
They argued for hours about politics
Common mistakes: Using only one hand, simultaneous rather than alternate hand movement, weak or missing NMF
When not to use it: When discussing agreement, peaceful discussion, or general conversation
Regional note: Minor variations in speed/intensity, but core sign is stable
Cultural note: Directness in BSL can be strong; NMF is key to conveying nuance of disagreement
1.[en] They argued. / BSL:[Sign ARGUE with tense NMF]
2.[en] Why are you arguing? / BSL:[WHY you ARGUE?]
3.[en] We argue often. / BSL:[WE ARGUE OFTEN]
When would a learner use the BSL sign for argue?
Use it to express disagreement, debate, or conflict between people. It can describe a verbal dispute, a heated discussion, or a general state of contention.
What do beginners often get wrong when signing argue in BSL?
Common mistakes include not using both hands, moving them simultaneously instead of alternately, or neglecting the crucial non-manual features like furrowed brows and an intense facial expression, which convey the sign's full meaning.
Does the BSL sign for argue change by region or context?
The core sign for ARGUE is quite stable across the UK. Minor variations might occur in the speed or intensity of the movement, or the specific non-manual features, but the fundamental handshape and alternating motion remain consistent.
Is the BSL sign for argue suitable for beginners or children?
Yes, it's a common and straightforward sign, suitable for beginners and children. When teaching children, ensure they understand the concept of disagreement in a non-aggressive way, focusing on differing opinions rather than fighting.
Which sign is most often confused with argue in BSL?
It can sometimes be confused with the sign for 'discuss' or 'talk', especially if the non-manual features for ARGUE are not strong. 'Discuss' typically uses similar handshapes but with a more circular or open motion, lacking the forward-and-back intensity.
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Word web
Debate
conflict
quarrel
dispute
Agree
consent
concur
Discussion
disagreement
fight
debate
Disagree
Discuss
Debate
Fight
Opinion
The sign ARGUE (flat hands alternately forward/back) is distinct from DISCUSS (often circular motion with flat hands or '5' hands, less intense NMF). While both involve interaction, ARGUE conveys conflict or disagreement, whereas DISCUSS implies general conversation or deliberation. It also differs from TALK (G-hand or 5-hand tapping chin/mouth), which is a broader term for speaking without the specific confrontational aspect of arguing
Conflict
debate
disagreement
discussion
dispute
Disagreement
quarrel
conflict
fight
BSL argument
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