How to Sign "Unclear"
To sign 'unclear,' start with both hands in open '5' handshapes in front of your chest, palms facing each other. Bring your hands together so your fingers loosely cross or interlock, and move them in a small, alternating circular motion as if mixing things up. Be sure to furrow your eyebrows and squint slightly to convey a lack of clarity.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign visually represents things getting mixed up, blurred, or tangled together. The crossing and swirling of the fingers mimic a lack of separation or clarity, much like a blurry image or a jumbled thought.
Signing Tips
Facial expression is a vital part of this sign! Furrow your eyebrows and squint slightly to show that something is hard to see or understand. Keep your fingers loose and relaxed as they cross over each other; don't interlock them tightly.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is forgetting the facial expression, which can make the sign look like you are just mixing ingredients rather than expressing confusion. Another mistake is clasping the hands tightly together instead of letting the fingers loosely brush and cross.
Regional Variations
While the sign shown is widely used for 'blurry' or 'mixed up,' some signers might express 'unclear' by signing 'NOT' followed by 'CLEAR' (hands starting together and opening outward like a bright light).
Examples Using "Unclear" in a Sentence
1The instructions for the assignment are unclear.
Sign 'INSTRUCTIONS' followed by 'UNCLEAR.' Remember to use a furrowed brow during 'UNCLEAR' to show that you don't understand them.
2My memory of that day is a bit unclear.
Establish the context by signing 'PAST DAY' and 'MY MEMORY,' then use the 'UNCLEAR' sign to show that the details are fuzzy or mixed up.
3It is unclear what time we are meeting.
Sign 'WE MEET TIME' and then 'UNCLEAR.' The facial expression will naturally turn this into a statement of uncertainty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign to describe a blurry photograph?
Yes! This sign is often used to mean 'blurry' or 'out of focus,' making it perfect for describing a fuzzy picture, poor vision, or a smudged window.
Is this the same sign as 'confused'?
It is very similar and relies on the same concept of things being 'mixed up.' However, the specific sign for 'confused' often starts by pointing to the forehead (the sign for 'think') before moving into this mixing motion.
Do I have to use both hands for this sign?
Yes, 'unclear' is a two-handed sign. Using both hands crossing over each other is necessary to visually convey the idea of multiple things being tangled or mixed together.
Related ASL Signs