How to Sign "Afghanistan"
To sign Afghanistan, begin by signing 'country': rest your non-dominant arm across your chest and rub the palm of your flat dominant hand on your non-dominant forearm. Next, bring your dominant hand up to the side of your face near your eye. Form an 'F' handshape by touching the tips of your index finger and thumb together, leaving the other three fingers extended. Place this 'F' handshape near the side of your eye or temple, with your palm facing forward, to complete the sign.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a compound that starts with the standard ASL sign for 'country,' visually representing an area of land by rubbing the forearm. The second part uses an 'F' handshape placed near the eye. While the exact origin of the 'F' placement is debated, it functions as a unique, localized name sign to distinguish Afghanistan from other nations.
Signing Tips
Focus on making a smooth transition between the two parts of the sign. First, establish the 'country' portion with a clear, circular rubbing motion on your forearm. Then, fluidly bring your dominant hand up to your temple. Ensure your 'F' handshape is crisp, with the index finger and thumb forming a distinct circle, so it isn't confused with other handshapes.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake for beginners is skipping the initial 'country' sign. While context sometimes allows for this, including it ensures your meaning is perfectly clear. Another common error is placing the 'F' handshape directly over the eye like a monocle. Make sure it rests to the side of your eye or temple so your facial expressions remain visible.
Regional Variations
Because country name signs frequently evolve to reflect indigenous preferences, there are multiple ways to sign Afghanistan. You may encounter variations such as an 'open 8' handshape moving down the chin (representing a beard), or signs that mimic traditional headwear. The version shown here is a widely understood ASL variation.
Examples Using "Afghanistan" in a Sentence
1My friend is from Afghanistan.
To sign this, start with the possessive 'my' by placing a flat hand on your chest, followed by 'friend'. Then, sign 'from' and finish with 'Afghanistan' by signing 'country' and placing the 'F' handshape near your eye.
2I want to visit Afghanistan.
Begin by pointing to yourself for 'I', then sign 'want' by pulling both clawed hands toward you. Sign 'visit' by moving 'V' handshapes in circles, and conclude with the sign for 'Afghanistan'.
3Afghanistan is a beautiful country.
Start by signing 'Afghanistan' using the 'country' and 'F' handshape sequence. Then, sign 'beautiful' by opening your hand across your face. You don't need to sign 'country' again at the end, as it is already built into the sign for Afghanistan!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I always have to sign 'country' before Afghanistan?
While advanced signers might drop the 'country' sign in high-context conversations, beginners should include it. Signing 'country' first provides clear context, ensuring the person you are signing with knows you are referring to a nation.
Where exactly should the 'F' handshape be placed?
The 'F' handshape should be placed near the side of your eye or temple on your dominant side. Avoid covering your eye completely; the hand should sit just to the side of your face so your expressions can be seen.
Can I just fingerspell Afghanistan?
Yes! If you ever forget the sign or are speaking with someone who uses a different regional variation, fingerspelling A-F-G-H-A-N-I-S-T-A-N is always a perfectly acceptable and clear fallback option in ASL.
Related ASL Signs
