How to Sign "Background"
To sign 'background,' start by holding your non-dominant hand in a '1' handshape with the index finger pointing straight up and the palm facing sideways. Next, form a flat '5' handshape with your dominant hand, keeping your fingers together and your palm facing forward. Place your dominant hand directly behind your non-dominant hand, so it is positioned closer to your body. Finally, move your dominant hand slightly from side to side to visually represent the broad area or environment located behind the main subject.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'background' is a wonderful example of how ASL uses space to create visual meaning. The non-dominant index finger acts as a classifier, representing a person, a specific subject, or the central focus of a scene. Meanwhile, the dominant flat hand represents a broad surface, environment, or context. By placing the flat hand physically behind the index finger and moving it side to side, the sign literally paints a picture of the scenery or context existing behind the main subject.
Signing Tips
To execute the sign for 'background' cleanly, focus on establishing a clear spatial relationship between your hands. Ensure your non-dominant index finger remains completely stationary, acting as a firm anchor for the sign. Your dominant flat hand should clearly be positioned between your body and your non-dominant hand to accurately convey the concept of being 'behind' the main subject. Keep the palm of your dominant hand facing forward, and use a smooth, controlled side-to-side motion to represent the broad area of the background.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is placing the dominant flat hand in front of the index finger—meaning closer to the viewer—rather than behind it. This completely breaks the visual logic of the sign, as it no longer represents something in the background. Another common error is moving both hands simultaneously. Remember that the index finger represents a fixed subject, so it must stay perfectly still while only the flat hand moves to show the environment behind it.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Background" in a Sentence
1The background of this photo is beautiful.
Start by signing 'PHOTO' by bringing a 'C' handshape to your flat palm. Next, sign 'BACKGROUND' to establish the specific part of the picture you are talking about. Finish by signing 'BEAUTIFUL' while using an appreciative facial expression to convey your admiration.
2What is your educational background?
Begin by pointing to the person for 'YOUR', then sign 'EDUCATION' near the sides of your head. Follow this with 'BACKGROUND' to represent their history. Finally, furrow your eyebrows while signing 'WHAT' at the end to clearly indicate you are asking a question.
3He prefers to stay in the background.
First, point to the person to establish 'HE'. Next, sign 'PREFER' by tapping your chin with your middle finger. Then, sign 'STAY' by pushing two 'Y' hands downward, and finish with 'BACKGROUND' to show he likes remaining out of the main spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this sign be used for someone's personal history or background?
Yes, absolutely! This sign is highly versatile. While it literally shows a physical background, such as the scenery in a photograph or on a stage, it is also widely used metaphorically. You can use it to discuss someone's educational, cultural, family, or professional background.
Does it matter which hand is placed in front?
Yes, the placement of your hands is very important for this sign to make sense. Your non-dominant hand, which forms the index finger, must be in front—meaning further away from your body. Your dominant flat hand goes behind it, closer to your chest.
Should my hands touch while signing 'background'?
No, your hands do not need to touch during this sign. In fact, leaving a small, visible gap between your stationary index finger and your moving flat hand helps clearly illustrate that the dominant hand represents the spatial environment located behind the subject.
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