How to Sign "Auntie"
Form an 'A' handshape with your dominant hand. Place it near your cheek or jawline, which is the feminine area of the face in ASL. Shake or twist your hand back and forth a couple of times.
Examples Using "Auntie" in a Sentence
1
My auntie is coming to visit.
Sign 'my', then sign 'auntie' by twisting the 'A' handshape near your cheek, followed by the signs for 'come' and 'visit'.
2
I love my auntie.
Point to yourself for 'I', cross your arms over your chest for 'love', sign 'my', and finish with the sign for 'auntie'.
3
Is she your auntie?
Point to the person for 'she', sign 'your', and then sign 'auntie' while raising your eyebrows and tilting your head slightly to indicate a yes/no question.
How to Sign "Auntie"
Form an 'A' handshape with your dominant hand. Place it near your cheek or jawline, which is the feminine area of the face in ASL. Shake or twist your hand back and forth a couple of times.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This is an initialized sign, meaning it incorporates the first letter of the English word. It uses the 'A' handshape for 'aunt' or 'auntie' and is placed in the lower half of the face, which is the traditional location for female-related signs in ASL.
Signing Tips
Keep the movement small and relaxed. The twisting motion should come primarily from your wrist, not your whole arm. Remember to keep the sign in the lower half of your face near the cheek or jaw, as this area is reserved for female family signs.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake is placing the sign too high up near the temple or forehead. The upper face is the masculine signing space, used for words like 'uncle', so signing 'auntie' too high changes the meaning. Also, avoid making the twisting motion too large or rigid.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Auntie" in a Sentence
1My auntie is coming to visit.
Sign 'my', then sign 'auntie' by twisting the 'A' handshape near your cheek, followed by the signs for 'come' and 'visit'.
2I love my auntie.
Point to yourself for 'I', cross your arms over your chest for 'love', sign 'my', and finish with the sign for 'auntie'.
3Is she your auntie?
Point to the person for 'she', sign 'your', and then sign 'auntie' while raising your eyebrows and tilting your head slightly to indicate a yes/no question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between the sign for 'aunt' and 'auntie'?
No, in ASL, the exact same sign is used for both 'aunt' and 'auntie'. The context of your conversation and your facial expressions will naturally convey the specific tone, affection, or formality of the word you mean.
Why is the sign placed near the cheek?
In ASL, family signs are categorized by gender locations on the face. The lower half of the face, including the chin and cheeks, is used for female signs. The upper half, like the forehead, is used for male signs.
Do I need to physically touch my cheek while signing this?
You do not need to physically touch your cheek. Hovering the 'A' handshape just an inch or two away from your cheek or jawline while twisting your wrist is perfectly fine and is the standard way to sign it.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!