PocketSign
Intermediate

AHH and LA-LA-LA for Distance

AHH and LA-LA-LA can show far distance, all day, a long stretch of time, or a long list.

All Mouth Morphemes lessons
Close-up of an ASL signer using an open AHH mouth for far distance or long duration

Learn It

Start with the simple version, then practice it with real signs.

AHH uses an open mouth to stretch the idea of distance or duration. It can mean far away or all day depending on the sign.

LA-LA-LA uses a tongue movement. It can show very far, a long line, or a long list that keeps going.

Use these when the meaning stretches across space, time, or many items.

AHHUse an open mouth for far distance or long duration.
LA-LA-LAUse tongue movement for very far, long line, or long list.
StretchThese mouth shapes make space, time, or lists feel extended.

Try It

Practice slowly. Make the mouth shape at the same time as the sign.

  1. Sign with to show a long distance.
  2. Sign with to show a long duration.
  3. Sign with LA-LA-LA to show the list keeps going.

Simple Examples

Read the ASL line first. A dark green pill names the mouth shape, not an extra sign.

ASL line . AHH mouth
MeaningThe store is far away.
TipAHH stretches the distance.
Mouth actionAHH mouthOpen the mouth as the distance idea is signed.
ASL line . AHH mouth
MeaningWorked all day.
TipAHH can stretch the time.
Mouth actionAHH mouthUse the open mouth through the long duration idea.
ASL line . LA-LA-LA mouth
MeaningA long list of things.
TipLA-LA-LA makes the list feel extended.
Mouth actionLA-LA-LA mouthUse tongue movement as the list keeps going.

Common Mistake

Do not use these for any big emotion. Use them when the idea stretches across distance, time, or a long series.

Deeper Note

A little more grammar

These mouth morphemes show how ASL can make abstract ideas visible. Distance, duration, and long lists can all be shown with timing, space, and mouth movement together.