What Is the BSL Sign for “approved”?

Welcome to SignDeaf.com, your premier destination for mastering British Sign Language! Today, we’re diving deep into the essential BSL sign for “approved.” This sign is incredibly versatile, allowing you to express agreement, confirmation, or acceptance in a wide range of contexts, from formal decisions to everyday interactions. Understanding how to sign “approved” in BSL is a fundamental step for anyone learning British Sign Language, whether you’re a hearing individual eager to connect with the Deaf community or a Deaf person seeking clear, comprehensive resources. By learning this sign, you unlock a powerful way to convey that something has been given the green light, making your communication more precise and fluent in BSL.

How to Sign “approved” in British Sign Language — Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s break down the BSL sign for “approved” into easily digestible steps, ensuring you can replicate it accurately.

Step 1: Handshape

To form the correct handshape for the BSL sign for “approved,” begin by extending your dominant hand straight out in front of you, with your palm facing upwards. All five fingers should be extended and held together, touching each other. Imagine your hand is flat, like a tray. This initial handshape is often referred to as a ‘flat hand’ or ‘B-handshape’ when fingers are together. It’s crucial that your fingers are not splayed apart but remain neatly aligned and touching, creating a single, flat surface. Ensure your thumb is also tucked in alongside your index finger, maintaining the flat plane of your hand. This precise handshape is the foundation for clearly articulating the British Sign Language approved sign.

Step 2: Hand Position and Location

Once you have the correct handshape, position your dominant hand in a neutral space in front of your body, roughly at chest height. Your arm should be comfortably extended but not locked, allowing for fluid movement. The palm of your hand should be facing upwards, ready for the action. There is no specific contact point with the body for this sign; it is performed in the air, in front of you. This neutral location ensures the sign is clear and visible, whether you are signing in a formal setting or a casual conversation. Maintaining this initial position correctly is vital for the natural flow of the approved sign language gesture.

Step 3: Movement

The movement for the BSL sign for “approved” is distinctive and conveys the sense of agreement or affirmation. From the initial position with your palm facing upwards, you will perform a single, sharp upward movement. Your dominant hand, maintaining its flat handshape, sweeps upwards and slightly forwards in a short, decisive arc. The movement is relatively quick and firm, not slow or hesitant. Think of it as an upward flick of the hand, indicating a positive decision. The hand doesn’t travel far, perhaps 10-15 centimetres upwards. It’s a clear, confident gesture that signifies something has been accepted or given official sanction. This specific movement is key to clearly expressing “approved British Sign Language” in context.

Step 4: Non-Manual Features (Facial Expression & Mouthing)

Non-manual features (NMFs) are an integral part of BSL grammar and meaning, and they are particularly important for the approved sign. For “approved,” your facial expression should generally convey a sense of satisfaction, confirmation, or simple affirmation. A slight nod of the head often accompanies this sign, reinforcing the positive meaning. You might also have a neutral but attentive expression, reflecting the seriousness or importance of the approval. As for mouthing, you would typically mouth the English word “approved” silently or with minimal vocalisation. This mouthing helps clarify the specific English word being conveyed, especially for those who are lip-reading or are still learning the nuances of BSL. Remember, NMFs are not optional; they add crucial layers of meaning and grammatical correctness to your BSL communication.

Step 5: Palm Orientation

Throughout the initial position and the subsequent movement, the palm orientation for the BSL sign for “approved” remains consistent. Your palm starts facing upwards, towards the ceiling or sky. As you perform the upward and slightly forward flicking movement, your palm continues to face upwards. There is no rotation or change in palm orientation during the execution of this sign. Maintaining this upward palm orientation is essential for the sign to be correctly understood, as a change could alter the meaning or make the sign unclear. This consistent upward orientation is a defining characteristic of the approved sign language gesture.

Quick Reference: “approved” BSL Sign at a Glance

• Handshape: Dominant hand, flat, all fingers extended and together, thumb tucked in.
• Location: Neutral space in front of the body, at chest height.
• Movement: Single, sharp upward and slightly forward flick.
• Facial Expression: Affirmative, confident, often accompanied by a slight head nod.
• Dominant Hand: Used for the sign.

5 Tips to Learn the BSL Sign for “approved” Quickly

1. Visualise “Giving the Thumbs Up” (but different handshape): While the actual sign doesn’t use a thumb, you can mentally connect it to the concept of giving a ‘thumbs up’ – a universal gesture for approval. Imagine you’re giving something the “green light” with a swift, confident upward motion. This mental link to a positive affirmation can help embed the movement in your memory, making it easier to recall the BSL sign for approved.
2. Practise the Handshape First: The flat handshape with all fingers together is crucial. Spend a few minutes just forming this handshape perfectly, ensuring your fingers are flush and your thumb is aligned. Once the handshape feels natural, adding the movement will be much smoother and more accurate, helping you to sign approved in BSL with confidence.
3. Exaggerate the “Flick” for Memory: When first learning, slightly exaggerate the sharp, upward flick. This helps to solidify the movement in your muscle memory. Over time, you can refine it to be more natural and subtle, but the initial exaggeration helps distinguish it from other signs with similar handshapes, ensuring you learn approved BSL correctly.
4. Incorporate Non-Manual Features Early On: Don’t just focus on the hand movement; consciously add the affirmative facial expression and head nod from the very beginning. By integrating these non-manual features (NMFs) with the hand movement, you’re learning the sign holistically, which is essential for grammatically correct and meaningful British Sign Language approved communication.
5. Create Sentence Associations: Think of common phrases where you might use “approved,” such as “The plan was approved,” or “My application was approved.” By mentally (or actually) signing the word within these short, familiar sentences, you’re not just learning an isolated sign but seeing it in practical context, aiding long-term recall of the approved sign language.

When and How to Use the BSL Sign for “approved”

The BSL sign for “approved” is a versatile adjective used in many daily and official contexts. It signifies agreement, acceptance, permission, or confirmation. Here are some common scenarios:

• Formal Decisions: When a proposal, plan, or application has been officially accepted. For example, “The council APPROVED the new building project.” In BSL, the structure might be: NEW BUILDING PROJECT, COUNCIL APPROVED.
• Permission Granted: To indicate that someone has been given permission to do something. For instance, “My parents APPROVED me going to the party.” BSL might be: PARTY, ME GO, PARENTS APPROVED.
• Quality Assurance: To certify that something meets certain standards or is of good quality. For example, “This product is APPROVED for safety.” BSL could be: THIS PRODUCT, SAFETY APPROVED.
• General Agreement: While there are other signs for general agreement, “approved” can sometimes be used to reinforce strong agreement or endorsement in a slightly more formal tone. In conversational BSL, the sign’s placement and NMFs will distinguish it from a simple “YES.”

Grammatically, “approved” functions as an adjective in BSL, often following the noun or concept it describes, or acting as the predicate in a sentence. It can also be influenced by spatial grammar; for instance, if you’re talking about a document on your left being approved, you might sign “approved” slightly to your left.

Common Mistakes When Signing “approved” in BSL — And How to Fix Them

Even experienced learners can sometimes make small errors. Here are three common mistakes when signing “approved” in BSL and how to correct them:

1. Mistake 1: Incorrect Handshape (Splayed Fingers or Bent Knuckles).

   Description: A common error is signing with fingers spread apart, or with knuckles bent, resembling a ‘cupped’ hand or a ‘number 5’ handshape rather than a flat hand. This changes the clarity and meaning of the sign.
   Why it Happens: Beginners might not pay enough attention to the subtle but crucial difference in finger arrangement, or they might try to make the hand too rigid.
   Correction: Consciously ensure all five fingers are pressed together tightly, and the hand remains perfectly flat from the wrist to the fingertips. Imagine trying to slide a piece of paper underneath your fingers without them separating. Practice holding this flat handshape for short periods before adding movement. This precision is vital for the BSL sign for approved.

2. Mistake 2: Insufficient or Overly Exaggerated Movement.

   Description: Some learners might use too small a movement, making it look like a slight twitch, while others might use an excessively large, sweeping motion. Both can make the sign unclear or unnatural.
   Why it Happens: Lack of familiarity with the specific amplitude and speed required for the sign, or trying to overcompensate for perceived lack of clarity.
   Correction: Remember the movement is a single, sharp upward flick, approximately 10-15 centimetres. It should be decisive but not overly dramatic. Practice in front of a mirror to gauge the appropriate range of motion. Focus on the ‘snap’ of the upward movement, ensuring it’s clear and confident, which is characteristic of how to sign approved in BSL.

3. Mistake 3: Neglecting Non-Manual Features (NMFs).

   Description: Signing the hand movement correctly but failing to include the affirmative facial expression, head nod, or mouthing of “approved.”
   Why it Happens: Often, learners focus heavily on the manual components and forget that NMFs are just as, if not more, important for conveying meaning and grammatical accuracy in BSL.
   Correction: Make a conscious effort to integrate NMFs from the very beginning of your practice. As you perform the hand sign, actively nod your head slightly and mouth “approved.” Think of the NMFs as an inseparable part of the sign’s identity. This holistic approach ensures your British Sign Language approved communication is fully understood and grammatically sound.

“approved” in BSL — Fun Facts and History

• Iconic Representation: The BSL sign for “approved” is often considered iconic, meaning it visually resembles the action or concept it represents. The upward flicking motion can be seen as giving something an “up-tick” or a “pass,” much like ticking a box or giving a positive signal. This inherent visual logic often makes it easier to learn approved BSL.
• Consistency Across Regions: Unlike many BSL signs which have significant regional variations, the core handshape and movement for “approved” are remarkably consistent across the UK. While subtle stylistic differences might exist, the fundamental structure of the BSL sign for approved is widely understood from London to Glasgow, making it a reliable sign for nationwide communication.
• Evolution of Meaning: Historically, signs for agreement or permission often involved similar upward movements, signifying a “go-ahead.” The modern “approved” sign in BSL carries this legacy, evolving into a specific, formal sign for official acceptance, distinguishing it from simpler affirmative gestures. It’s a sign that has maintained its core positive connotation through linguistic evolution.
• Connection to Written Forms: While not directly derived from the BSL manual alphabet, the flat handshape is a foundational element in many BSL signs, highlighting how basic hand configurations are reused and adapted to create a vast lexicon. The simplicity and clarity of the flat hand make it versatile for signs indicating flat surfaces, documents, or, in this case, a clear decision.
• Linguistic Nuance with NMFs: The grammatical weight carried by non-manual features with the approved sign is a fascinating aspect. The hand movement alone gives a base meaning, but the accompanying facial expression and head position can subtly shift it from a neutral “it was approved” to an enthusiastic “YES! It’s approved!” This highlights the richness and efficiency of BSL.

“approved” in Deaf Culture and BSL Community

The concept of “approved” holds significant weight within Deaf culture and the BSL community, often reflecting experiences with accessibility, recognition, and self-determination. For Deaf individuals, gaining “approval” can sometimes mean overcoming systemic barriers, whether it’s an application for a BSL interpreter being approved, a Deaf-led initiative receiving funding, or a piece of technology being approved for accessibility standards. When something is “approved,” it often signifies progress and inclusion. The act of signing “approved” can therefore carry a deeper sense of validation and success. It’s a sign that communicates not just a simple agreement, but often the culmination of effort, advocacy, and community support. It reinforces the idea that Deaf perspectives and needs are being acknowledged and respected, contributing to a stronger sense of Deaf identity and empowerment.

Example Sentences Using “approved” in BSL

English sentence: The government approved the new law. — BSL structure: GOVERNMENT, NEW LAW, APPROVED. (Topic-comment structure, “approved” acts as the predicate)

English sentence: My visa application was approved! — BSL structure: MY VISA APPLICATION, APPROVED! (Excited facial expression and head nod would accompany “approved”)

English sentence: Is this document approved by the manager? — BSL structure: THIS DOCUMENT, MANAGER APPROVED? (Question NMFs – raised eyebrows, slight lean forward – would accompany the whole sentence, especially “approved”)

English sentence: They approved the budget for the Deaf club event. — BSL structure: DEAF CLUB EVENT, BUDGET, THEY APPROVED. (Clearly indicating who approved the budget)

English sentence: We need to get this proposal approved before next week. — BSL structure: THIS PROPOSAL, BEFORE NEXT WEEK, WE NEED APPROVED. (Emphasising the urgency of the approval)

Frequently Asked Questions About the BSL Sign for “approved”

Is this sign the same everywhere in the UK?

Generally, yes! The BSL sign for “approved” is remarkably consistent across different regions of the UK. While there might be subtle stylistic variations in speed or emphasis, the core handshape, location, and movement are widely understood and used, making it a reliable sign for nationwide communication. This consistency is a great asset for anyone learning how to sign approved in BSL.

How is this sign different from similar signs?

The BSL sign for “approved” can sometimes be confused with “YES” or “PERMIT.” While “YES” often involves a similar upward flick, it typically uses a ‘fist’ handshape (S-handshape) or an index finger pointed upwards. “PERMIT” (or ALLOW) often uses a flat hand that moves forward from the chest. The key differentiator for “approved” is the flat handshape combined with the specific upward flick, and often the mouthing of “approved,” which helps distinguish it from other affirmative signs.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! The BSL sign for “approved” is a foundational sign and is highly suitable for beginners. Its iconic nature and relatively straightforward handshape and movement make it accessible. Mastering this sign early on will significantly boost your ability to express agreement and understanding, and it’s a crucial step in building your vocabulary for British Sign Language approved communication.

Can I use this sign with Deaf children?

Yes, you can! “Approved” is a clear and commonly understood sign, making it perfectly suitable for use with Deaf children. It helps them understand boundaries, permissions, and positive affirmations in their daily lives. When signing with children, you might slightly exaggerate your facial expressions and movements to make the sign even more engaging and comprehensible.

Where can I practise this sign?

You can practise the BSL sign for “approved” in many settings! Start by watching BSL videos and mirroring the sign. Practice in front of a mirror to check your handshape and movement. Join local Deaf clubs or BSL classes to practice with native signers. Online BSL communities and video calls with BSL users are also excellent ways to get feedback and use the approved sign language in real conversational contexts.

Related BSL Signs to Learn Alongside “approved”

Learning related signs can significantly enhance your BSL fluency and understanding of semantic clusters. Here are some signs that naturally complement the BSL sign for “approved”:

• YES: (Dominant hand in a fist, thumb up, moves upwards slightly) – Essential for general affirmation and agreement, a good contrast to the more formal “approved.” Learning them together helps distinguish between casual and formal agreement.
• NO: (Dominant hand in a flat handshape, palm forward, moves side-to-side) – The direct opposite of “approved,” crucial for expressing refusal or disagreement. Understanding antonyms builds a stronger mental lexicon.
• PERMIT/ALLOW: (Dominant flat hand moves forward from chest) – Closely related in meaning, often implying granting permission. Learning this helps differentiate the nuances between formal approval and general permission.
• AGREE: (Dominant hand, index finger extended, taps non-dominant fist) – A common sign for agreement or consensus. This helps expand your vocabulary for expressing accord in various contexts.
• DECIDE: (Both hands in S-handshape, palms facing each other, move downwards sharply) – Often precedes an approval. Learning “decide” and “approved” together helps you construct sentences describing the process of decision-making and its outcome.
• PLAN: (Both hands, palms facing each other, move forward and slightly down, mimicking drawing a line) – Things that are approved often start as plans. This connection makes it easier to discuss projects or initiatives from conception to approval.

How to Practise the BSL Sign for “approved” Effectively

Consistent and varied practice is key to mastering the BSL sign for “approved.” Start by using a mirror to observe your handshape, position, and movement, ensuring they match the detailed steps provided. Filming yourself with your phone can offer invaluable self-correction opportunities, allowing you to catch subtle errors you might miss in the mirror. Once comfortable, try incorporating the sign into simple English sentences in your mind, then translate them into BSL structure, focusing on where “approved” fits naturally. The ultimate goal is to practise with a Deaf person or an experienced BSL user; their feedback is indispensable for refining your technique and ensuring your British Sign Language approved communication is clear and culturally appropriate. Daily repetition, even for just a few minutes, will build muscle memory and confidence, helping you to truly learn approved BSL and integrate it into your signing vocabulary.