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Saturday, June 28, 2025
Sign of the Day
provoke
The BSL sign for "provoke" uses a G-hand with a sharp, forward jab to represent incitement
B2 Uncommon Verb British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
Today’s Snapshot
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Dominant hand forms a G-hand, index finger extended
Sharp, short forward jab or flick
Discussing conflict, teasing, or instigating trouble
Break It Down
Watch, build, and feel the movement
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How to form the sign
- Form dominant G-hand, index finger extended
- Place hand mid-air in front of body
- Execute a sharp, short forward jab or flick
- Repeat for emphasis
Coach prompt
Practice sharp, quick G-hand jabs forward
Signature details
Handshape
Dominant hand forms a G-hand, index finger extended · Code G
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Air
Palm orientation
Palm often faces forward or slightly down
Eyebrows
Furrowed
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
Forward
Mouth morpheme
"Poh" for emphasis, or none
Body shift
Slight forward lean for emphasis
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.
He tried to provoke an argument
Intensity of movement conveys degree of provocation
Best fit: Discussing conflict, teasing, or instigating trouble
Mirror focus
Practice sharp, quick G-hand jabs forward
Catch the slip
Ensure G-hand is correct, movement sharp, and direction clear
Use it today
He tried to provoke an argument
Common mistakes: Weak movement, incorrect G-hand, wrong direction
When not to use it: Formal, polite interactions where confrontation is inappropriate
Regional note: Minor variations in exact angle or speed
Cultural note: Direct provocation can be considered rude in BSL conversation
Sensitivity: Mildly Sensitive
1.[en] Don't provoke him! / BSL:[sharp jab]
2.[en] She was provoked. / BSL:[passive form]
3.[en] It provoked anger. / BSL:[causative sign]
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Word web
Annoy
irritate
incite
instigate
stir
Pacify
soothe
calm
appease
Argument
fight
anger
conflict
reaction
Annoy
Incite
POINT (directional): Uses a similar G-hand but is a sustained direction or movement, not a sharp flick. ACCUSE: Often uses a G-hand, but with a more direct, aggressive, and sometimes downward thrust. TEASE: Might involve a lighter, more playful movement, often repeated, with less confrontational intent than "provoke."
Conflict
anger
incitement
reaction
cause
Provoke BSL
instigate BSL
anger BSL
tease BSL
Reaction
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