Machine Print in British Sign Language (BSL)

The sign for “machine print” in BSL refers to the text produced by printers, often used in contexts like reading documents, labels, or any printed material. It’s commonly used in discussions about accessibility, literacy, and technology within the UK Deaf community.

How to Sign “Machine Print” in BSL

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat ‘B’ shape (palm facing down). This hand represents the printed text.
2. Position your dominant hand in front of your body, about chest height.
3. With a smooth motion, move your dominant hand slightly away from your body and then back towards you, as if showing the text being read.
4. As you perform this movement, use a facial expression that conveys focus, suggesting you are reading or interpreting the printed material.
5. Optionally, you can use your non-dominant hand to represent the paper or surface, holding it flat in front of your dominant hand to provide context.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to use appropriate facial expressions, which can lead to a lack of clarity in conveying the meaning.
• Using an incorrect handshape; make sure to use the flat ‘B’ handshape to represent the print properly.
• Not maintaining the right space; ensure that your signs are clear and within your signing space to avoid confusion.

BSL vs ASL

In BSL, the sign for “machine print” focuses on the representation of text using a flat handshape, while in ASL, the sign often involves a different movement and handshape that may not directly correlate. The emphasis in BSL is on the visual aspect of reading printed material compared to ASL’s approach.

Related Signs

• 1 – The sign for the number one, often used in counting or listing.
• 100 – Represents the number one hundred, useful in discussions of quantities.
• 11 – The sign for eleven, another number that may come up in various contexts.
• 12 – Represents twelve, often used in counting scenarios.
• 15 – The sign for fifteen, useful for numerical discussions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can “machine print” be used in a sentence?

Yes, you can say: “I read machine print” by structuring it with the topic-comment format: “MACHINE PRINT, I READ.”

Are there regional variations for this sign?

While the sign is generally consistent, some regions may have slight variations in the movement or facial expressions used.

What similar signs should I learn?

Learning signs for related concepts like “digital text” or “handwritten” can enhance your communication about different types of print.

What tips can help me learn this sign better?

Practice in front of a mirror to ensure your handshape and facial expressions are clear and accurate. Watching fluent signers can also aid in mastering this sign.

Is this sign used in formal settings?

Yes, “machine print” is commonly used in schools, workplaces, and discussions about accessibility for Deaf individuals.

Can I use this sign for digital printing?

Yes, “machine print” can apply to both traditional and digital printing contexts, as long as the focus is on printed text.