Use contextual, grammatical and vocabulary clues to infer the signer’s feelings, attitude and intentions

Understanding Contextual Clues

Observe the context of the conversation or presentation. The context could include the topic being discussed, the location, or the relationship between the signer and receiver.
Recognise changes in the context as the conversation progresses. The signer’s feelings, attitudes or intentions may change along with changes in the topic, location or relationship.
Consider the cultural and social norms affecting the conversation. The signer’s intentions may be influenced by their culture’s norms or by established social conventions.

Identifying Grammatical Clues

Acknowledge sentence structure as it can greatly influence the meaning of a phrase. The way a phrase is structured can signify the signer’s mood, intention, or attitude.
Pay attention to verb tense and aspect. Differences can convey whether the signer is discussing something that has happened, is happening, or will happen, and this can give insight into their feelings and attitudes.
Look at the use of spatial referencing. A signer’s feelings or intentions can be inferred from how they use space to convey information.

Recognising Vocabulary Clues

Analyse word choice. Different signs can have similar meanings, but slight differences in word choice can suggest different feelings or intentions.
Understand the level of formality in the word choice. The formality of a conversation or presentation can provide clues to the signer’s intentions and attitude.
Consider any specialised vocabulary the signer might use. This could be used to demonstrate expertise, to build rapport or to create a certain atmosphere.
Watch for idiomatic expressions and interpret them correctly. These expressions often add a nuance to the message being conveyed, which can help better understand a signer’s feelings or intentions.

Inferring Feelings, Attitude and Intentions

Reflect on the contextual, grammatical, and vocabulary clues from the conversation or presentation to infer the signer’s feelings, attitude, and intentions.
Continuously practice inference skills in everyday signing interactions, to better improve your comprehension of signing messages.
Bear in mind that inferring feelings, attitudes, and intentions is a crucial skill in both comprehension and production of British Sign Language.

Being able to infer a signer’s feelings, attitude and intentions, through recognising and interpreting various clues, is paramount to fostering understanding in British Sign Language communication, enhancing rapport and empathy with the signer, and effectively navigating all types of sign language interactions.