How to Sign "Austin"
To sign Austin, begin by forming an 'A' handshape with your dominant hand, keeping your fingers curled in and your thumb resting against the side of your index finger. Hold your hand in front of your upper chest with your palm facing your non-dominant side. From this starting position, move your hand horizontally to the outside, and then straight down, effectively tracing the shape of the number '7' in the air. This distinct movement mirrors the sign for Texas, but uses the initialized 'A' handshape to specifically represent the city of Austin.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for Austin is a classic example of an initialized sign that borrows its movement from a related concept. It takes the 'A' handshape, representing the first letter of the city's name, and combines it with the movement used for the state of Texas. The sign for Texas traces a '7' shape in the air using an 'X' handshape. Because Austin is the capital of Texas, it adopts this identical '7' movement, visually linking the city to its state.
Signing Tips
When signing Austin, focus on making the '7' movement crisp and deliberate. The horizontal movement should be clear before you transition into the downward stroke. Ensure your 'A' handshape is correctly formed by keeping your thumb resting alongside your index finger, rather than wrapping it over your fingers like an 'S' handshape. If you are left-handed, you will mirror the movement by moving your hand to the left and then down, still tracing a '7' shape from your perspective.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is confusing the 'A' handshape with an 'S' handshape. Remember that for an 'A', the thumb rests on the side of the hand, not across the front of the fingers. Another common error is rounding out the movement so it looks like a curve or a simple diagonal line. The sign requires a distinct, sharp corner—moving horizontally first, then straight down—to properly trace the '7' shape that is characteristic of this sign.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Austin" in a Sentence
1I live in Austin.
To sign this simple sentence, start by pointing to yourself to indicate 'I'. Next, sign 'LIVE' by bringing both 'A' hands upward along your lower torso. Finally, sign 'AUSTIN' by tracing a crisp '7' shape in the air with your dominant 'A' hand.
2We are visiting Austin next week.
In ASL, time concepts usually appear at the beginning of the sentence. Start by signing 'NEXT-WEEK', moving your dominant index finger forward past your non-dominant hand. Then sign 'WE', follow it with 'VISIT' using alternating 'V' hands moving forward, and conclude with the sign for 'AUSTIN'.
3Austin is the capital of Texas.
Begin by signing 'AUSTIN' with the 'A' handshape tracing a '7'. Next, sign 'TEXAS' by performing the exact same '7' movement, but using an 'X' handshape instead. Finally, sign 'CAPITAL' by tapping a 'C' handshape against the upper shoulder area of your non-dominant side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the sign for Austin trace the shape of a '7'?
The '7' movement is directly derived from the ASL sign for the state of Texas. Because Austin is the state capital, it adopts this iconic movement to visually show its connection to the state. The only difference is that Austin uses an initialized 'A' handshape instead of an 'X'.
Can I use my left hand to sign Austin?
Yes, you should always use your dominant hand for one-handed signs like this. If you are left-handed, form the 'A' handshape with your left hand. You will trace the '7' shape by moving your hand horizontally to the left, and then straight down, mirroring the right-handed movement.
How do I tell the difference between the signs for Austin and Texas?
Both signs share the exact same location and movement, which involves tracing a distinct '7' shape in the air. The key difference lies entirely in the handshape. Texas is signed using an 'X' handshape, while Austin is signed using an 'A' handshape to represent the first letter of the city.
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