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Archive Replay
Monday, March 30, 2026
Sign of the Day
calibration
The sign for 'calibration' uses two G-hands to represent the precise adjustment of an object or system to a standard
C1 Technical Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Technical
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Both hands form a G-handshape, index fingers extended
Hands move slightly forward and rotate inwards in small, precise motions
Discussing scientific instruments, engineering, or precise adjustments
Break It Down
Watch, build, and feel the movement
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How to form the sign
- Form two G-handshapes, index fingers extended
- Position hands in front of body, palms facing each other
- Move hands slightly forward while rotating index fingers inwards
- Repeat small, precise adjustments
Coach prompt
Practice forming G-hands and performing small, controlled rotational movements. Focus on precision
Signature details
Handshape
Both hands form a G-handshape, index fingers extended · Code BSL G-hand (1-hand)
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Symmetric
Contact
Air
Palm orientation
Initially palms face each other, then rotate inward
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
Often a "pursed lips" or "mm" shape indicating precision
Body shift
None
Use It Today
Move from recognition to real-life use
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1.[en] The instrument needs calibration. / BSL:[instrument need CALIBRATION]
Emphasise small, controlled movements for precision
Best fit: Discussing scientific instruments, engineering, or precise adjustments
Mirror focus
Practice forming G-hands and performing small, controlled rotational movements. Focus on precision
Catch the slip
Ensure both hands are G-shape and movements are small, precise twists, not large rotations
Use it today
1.[en] The instrument needs calibration. / BSL:[instrument need CALIBRATION]
Common mistakes: Not performing the precise, small rotational movement; incorrect handshape
When not to use it: For general "adjustment" where less precision is implied
Regional note: Minor variations in movement precision
Cultural note: Important in technical/scientific fields within the Deaf community
1.[en] The scale requires calibration. / BSL:[SCALE NEED CALIBRATION]
2.[en] Perform the calibration. / BSL:[DO CALIBRATION]
3.[en] Regular calibration is vital. / BSL:[REGULAR CALIBRATION IMPORTANT]
What is the BSL sign for calibration?
The BSL sign for calibration uses two G-hands that move slightly forward and rotate inwards in small, precise motions, representing fine-tuning.
How do you sign calibration in BSL?
Extend index fingers (G-hand) on both hands. Position them facing each other in front of your chest. Move them slightly forward while rotating your index fingers inwards a little, repeating small, precise adjustments.
Is calibration one-handed or two-handed in BSL?
The sign for calibration in BSL is typically a two-handed sign, using both hands symmetrically to convey the idea of adjustment.
What handshape is used for calibration in BSL?
The G-handshape (index finger extended, other fingers curled down, thumb alongside) is used for both hands in the BSL sign for calibration.
How does calibration differ from similar signs in BSL?
It differs from general 'ADJUST' by its precise, small rotational movement. 'TUNE' might use different handshapes or a more continuous turning motion, while 'MEASURE' typically uses a flat hand and G-hand.
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Word web
adjustment
tuning
setting
alignment
miscalibration
inaccuracy
error
measure
standard
accuracy
precision
Adjust
Measure
Standard
Accuracy
Precision
The sign for CALIBRATION uses two G-hands with small, precise, inward rotations and forward movement. This contrasts with general ADJUST, which might use similar handshapes but with broader or less precise movements. TUNE (as in music) might involve a different handshape (e.g., F-hand) and continuous turning. MEASURE often involves one flat hand and one G-hand moving along it. CALIBRATION emphasizes fine, technical adjustment
Science
engineering
measurement
adjustment
accuracy
technical
BSL calibration
sign for adjust
precise setting BSL
Measurement
science
Technical
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