How to Sign "Unfair"
To sign 'unfair,' start with both hands in 'F' handshapes. To make an 'F' handshape, touch the tips of your index fingers and thumbs together to form circles, while keeping your other three fingers extended and relaxed. Bring both hands together in front of your chest so the fingertips of the circles are touching, representing equality. Then, in one fluid motion, move both hands sharply downward and slightly apart. This downward, breaking motion visually disrupts the balance, changing the meaning of the base sign from 'fair' to 'unfair'.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is deeply rooted in the visual logic of balance and equality. It originates as a modification of the sign for 'fair' or 'equal,' where the two 'F' hands meet perfectly and evenly in the center. By adding a sharp downward and separating motion, the sign visually represents a sudden break or drop in that equality. It literally shows the concept of a situation becoming unbalanced, uneven, or 'not fair'.
Signing Tips
When signing 'unfair,' make sure to use a sharp, definitive downward motion to emphasize the negative aspect of the word. The speed and crispness of the drop help convey the disruption of fairness. Additionally, your facial expression is a crucial part of the sign. Furrow your eyebrows, purse your lips, or show a slight frown to naturally convey the feeling of injustice or disagreement that comes with something being unfair.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake for beginners is simply tapping the 'F' hands together without the downward drop. Tapping the hands together actually signs 'fair' or 'equal,' which is the exact opposite of what you want to say! Another frequent error is using flat hands instead of the 'F' handshapes, or keeping a neutral facial expression. Without a frustrated or negative facial expression, the emotional weight of the sign is lost.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Unfair" in a Sentence
1The rules of this game are unfair.
To sign this, you would sign 'GAME', 'RULE', and then use the sharp downward motion of 'UNFAIR' to show your dissatisfaction with how the game is being played.
2It is unfair that he gets more time.
Point to the person to establish 'HE', sign 'GET', 'MORE', 'TIME', and finish with 'UNFAIR' while using a frustrated facial expression to show it isn't right.
3Life can be unfair sometimes.
Start by signing 'SOMETIMES', then 'LIFE', and finally 'UNFAIR', dropping the 'F' hands downward to emphasize the lack of balance we sometimes experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'fair' and 'unfair' in ASL?
The sign for 'fair' brings the 'F' handshapes together so they meet evenly in front of you, often tapping twice to show balance. 'Unfair' uses those exact same handshapes but incorporates a sharp downward or breaking motion. That drop visually demonstrates that the equality or balance has been disrupted.
Can I just sign 'NOT' and then 'FAIR'?
Yes, signing the word 'NOT' followed by the sign for 'FAIR' is another grammatically correct and widely understood way to express 'unfair' in ASL. However, using the single downward motion shown in this video is a very common, efficient, and expressive variation that you will see frequently.
Do I need to use a specific facial expression?
Absolutely! Because 'unfair' inherently conveys a negative emotion or a sense of injustice, your facial expression needs to match that tone. A slight frown, furrowed eyebrows, or a clear look of dissatisfaction provides important context and helps clarify the exact meaning and intensity of your sign.
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