To sign "above", form both hands into flat shapes with your fingers together and palms facing down. Hold your non-dominant hand steady in front of your chest to act as a base. Place your dominant hand slightly over the non-dominant hand, then move it straight upward. This visualizes one object being positioned higher than another.
First, establish the 'couch' in your signing space. Then, use the sign for 'above' to show exactly where the picture is located in relation to the couch.
Sign 'tree' first to set the scene. Then, use the 'above' sign to indicate that the birds are flying higher than the treetops.
Establish the 'bakery' on the bottom level of your signing space, then use the 'above' sign before signing 'office' to clearly show the layout of the building.
First, establish the 'couch' in your signing space. Then, use the sign for 'above' to show exactly where the picture is located in relation to the couch.
Sign 'tree' first to set the scene. Then, use the 'above' sign to indicate that the birds are flying higher than the treetops.
Establish the 'bakery' on the bottom level of your signing space, then use the 'above' sign before signing 'office' to clearly show the layout of the building.
They are very similar, but 'over' often involves an arching motion across the base hand, as if something is traveling over an obstacle. 'Above' typically uses a straight upward movement to show a static higher position.
Yes! Your dominant hand should always be the one moving on top. Your non-dominant hand serves as the stationary base underneath.
Moving your hand up a few inches is perfect for general conversation. However, ASL is very expressive—if you want to show that something is way above, you can move your hand much higher!
