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Sunday, February 8, 2026
Sign of the Day
draft
The BSL sign for 'draft' (as in a document) conceptually represents sketching or outlining an initial version. It uses the dominant hand to 'draw' on the non-dominant palm, signifying the creation of a preliminary form
B1 Common Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
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Dominant hand: index finger extended, others curled. Non-dominant hand: flat palm
Dominant index finger draws an outline/shape on the non-dominant palm
Used when referring to an initial version of a document, plan, or design
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-hand with dominant hand
- Form B-hand with non-dominant palm up
- Dominant index finger draws outline on non-dominant palm
- Movement implies sketching or initial version
Coach prompt
Practice signing 'DRAFT' while thinking of a document
Signature details
Handshape
Dominant hand: index finger extended, others curled. Non-dominant hand: flat palm · Code Dominant: 1 (G-hand), Non-dominant: B-hand
Dominant hand
Right
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Near
Palm orientation
Dominant: towards non-dominant palm. Non-dominant: palm up or slightly angled forward
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
None
Body shift
None
Use It Today
Move from recognition to real-life use
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I will send you the first draft tomorrow
Often paired with signs like 'FIRST' or 'ROUGH' for clarity
Best fit: Used when referring to an initial version of a document, plan, or design
Mirror focus
Practice signing 'DRAFT' while thinking of a document
Catch the slip
Ensure the drawing motion is clear and distinct from simple writing
Use it today
I will send you the first draft tomorrow
Common mistakes: Confusing with 'WRITE' or 'DRAW' if not contextualized
When not to use it: Do not use for 'draft' as in a current of air or military conscription
Regional note: Some minor variations in the drawing motion may exist
Cultural note: N/A
1.[en] Please review the first draft. / BSL:[NOTE: Sign 'FIRST' then DRAFT]
2.[en] The architect drew up a draft. / BSL:[NOTE: Sign 'ARCHITECT' then DRAFT]
3.[en] I need to edit the draft plan. / BSL:[NOTE: Sign 'EDIT' then DRAFT 'PLAN']
What is the BSL sign for draft?
The BSL sign for 'draft' (document) represents a preliminary version of a document, plan, or drawing.
How do you sign draft in BSL?
Form a G-hand with your dominant hand (index finger extended). Form a B-hand with your non-dominant hand, palm up. Use the dominant index finger to draw an outline or shape on the non-dominant palm.
Is draft one-handed or two-handed in BSL?
The BSL sign for 'draft' (document) is a two-handed sign.
What handshape is used for draft in BSL?
The dominant hand uses a G-handshape (index finger extended), and the non-dominant hand uses a B-handshape (flat palm).
How does draft differ from similar signs in BSL?
The sign for DRAFT (document) involves the dominant G-hand drawing an outline on the non-dominant B-hand. It differs from 'WRITE' (which often uses a similar handshape but focuses on a continuous writing motion) and 'DRAW' (which can be more general or illustrative). DRAFT specifically implies a preliminary version, often through context or accompanying signs.
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Word web
Outline
sketch
plan
proposal
Final
completed
finished
Document
write
plan
edit
copy
Document
plan
write
edit
The sign for DRAFT (document) involves the dominant G-hand drawing an outline on the non-dominant B-hand. It is similar to 'WRITE' which often uses a similar handshape but focuses on a continuous writing motion on the palm or in the air. DRAFT specifically conveys a preliminary or outline stage. 'DRAW' can use various handshapes and movements depending on what is being drawn, but often involves a more descriptive or illustrative motion rather than just an outline on the palm
Document
planning
writing
design
preliminary
version
Draft BSL
BSL draft document
sign for preliminary
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