How to Sign "American Sign Language"
To sign 'American Sign Language', you will combine three distinct signs. First, sign 'American' by interlacing your fingers in front of your chest and moving your hands in a small horizontal circle. Next, sign 'Sign' by extending both index fingers, pointing them slightly up and inward, and moving them in alternating backward circles towards your body. Finally, sign 'Language' by forming 'L' shapes with both hands, starting with your thumbs close together, and pulling them apart horizontally with a slight wavy motion.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This phrase is a literal translation combining three iconic signs. 'American' represents the mixing pot of the country with interlaced fingers. 'Sign' visually mimics the alternating movement of hands communicating. 'Language' uses the 'L' handshape (an initialized sign) and pulls apart to represent the flow and spread of communication.
Signing Tips
When combining these three signs, try to make the transitions smooth rather than pausing heavily between each word. Keep your movements relaxed and within your standard signing space (the area from your waist to the top of your head). Practice each sign individually first—'American', 'Sign', and 'Language'—before putting them all together in one fluid sequence.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is making the circular motions for 'American' and 'Sign' too large, which can look exaggerated and slow down your signing. Keep the circles small and controlled. Another frequent error is forgetting the wavy motion when pulling the 'L' hands apart for 'Language'; this wave is important for clearly distinguishing the word.
Regional Variations
While 'American Sign Language' can be signed using these three full words, it is extremely common in everyday conversation to simply fingerspell the acronym 'A-S-L'.
Examples Using "American Sign Language" in a Sentence
1I am learning American Sign Language.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'LEARN', and then perform the three-part sequence for 'American Sign Language'.
2American Sign Language is a beautiful language.
Sign 'American Sign Language', then 'BEAUTIFUL', and finish with the sign for 'LANGUAGE' again to emphasize the statement.
3Do you know American Sign Language?
Point to the person for 'YOU', sign 'KNOW', and then sign 'American Sign Language' while raising your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I always have to sign all three words?
Not always! In fact, most fluent signers will simply fingerspell the letters 'A-S-L' in everyday conversation because it is much faster and universally understood.
Which direction do the circles go for 'Sign'?
Your index fingers should move in alternating backward circles, meaning they pedal backwards towards your body, similar to a reverse bicycle motion.
Does 'Language' always use the 'L' handshape?
Yes, 'Language' is an initialized sign, meaning it incorporates the first letter of the English word ('L') into the handshape while using the traditional motion for representing a flow of words.
Related ASL Signs
