Obviate in British Sign Language (BSL)

The sign “obviate” in BSL is used to express the idea of preventing something from happening or making it unnecessary. This sign can be useful in discussions regarding solutions, alternatives, or avoiding complications. It’s often seen in contexts where one aims to clarify or simplify a situation.

How to Sign “Obviate” in BSL

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat handshape (like a ‘B’ handshape) facing downwards.
2. Position your hand about chest height, slightly to the side of your body.
3. Move your hand forward in a gentle sweeping motion while simultaneously tilting your hand slightly upwards.
4. As you gesture, maintain an assertive facial expression to convey the meaning of prevention or removal.
5. Optionally, you can add a brief pause and raise your eyebrows as a non-manual marker to emphasize the action of making something unnecessary.

Common Mistakes

• Using the wrong handshape, such as a fist instead of a flat hand.
• Failing to incorporate appropriate facial expressions, which can affect clarity.
• Not using enough movement; the sign should be distinct and assertive.

BSL vs ASL

In BSL, the sign for “obviate” involves a hand movement that emphasizes prevention. In contrast, ASL uses a different sign that may focus more on negation or avoidance, which reflects the differences in structure and cultural context between the two sign languages.

Related Signs

• Avoid – To deliberately keep away from something.
• Solution – A means of solving a problem.
• Necessary – Something that is essential or required.
• Prevent – To stop something from happening.
• Simplify – To make something easier to understand.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can “obviate” be used in a BSL sentence?

You can use the sign in a sentence like: “I want to obviate any issues.” This can be structured as: “I (topic) obviate (comment) issues.”

Are there regional variations in signing “obviate”?

While the sign is generally consistent, some regions may have slight variations in hand movement or facial expressions, so it’s good to learn from local Deaf people.

What signs are similar to “obviate”?

Signs like “avoid” or “prevent” are closely related, as they share similar meanings and contexts.

What tips do you have for learning this sign?

Practice in front of a mirror to see your facial expressions and hand movements. Also, watch fluent signers to understand the context and usage.

Can “obviate” be used in formal settings?

Yes, the sign is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing solutions or preventing issues.

Is the sign for “obviate” commonly used?

This sign is more commonly used in academic or problem-solving discussions within the Deaf community.

What are some common misconceptions about this sign?

Some learners might think it is synonymous with “avoid,” but it specifically implies making something unnecessary rather than just keeping away from it.