How to Sign "Behavior"

To sign "behavior," form both hands into "B" shapes, keeping your fingers flat and together. Hold your hands out in front of your body with your palms facing down. Swing both hands side to side simultaneously a couple of times. The movement should be smooth and parallel, keeping the hands at about chest level.

Examples Using "Behavior" in a Sentence

1

His behavior in class was excellent.

Sign "HIS", then "BEHAVIOR" using the side-to-side sweeping motion with "B" hands, followed by "CLASS" and "EXCELLENT".

2

Please watch your behavior at the party.

Sign "PLEASE", "WATCH", "YOUR", "BEHAVIOR", "PARTY". You can emphasize the sign for "behavior" with a slightly firmer side-to-side motion to convey the seriousness of the warning.

3

The dog's behavior changed suddenly.

Sign "DOG", "BEHAVIOR", "CHANGE", "SUDDEN". The sign for "behavior" remains the same, showing the general actions or conduct of the animal.

How to Sign "Behavior"
To sign "behavior," form both hands into "B" shapes, keeping your fingers flat and together. Hold your hands out in front of your body with your palms facing down. Swing both hands side to side simultaneously a couple of times. The movement should be smooth and parallel, keeping the hands at about chest level.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'behavior' is an initialized sign. It takes the general side-to-side movement for 'act' or 'action'—which represents doing things or conducting oneself—and uses the 'B' handshape to specifically represent the English word 'behavior'.
Signing Tips
Keep your wrists relatively firm while signing 'behavior'. The side-to-side swinging motion should come from your elbows and shoulders rather than just bending your wrists. Make sure both hands move together in parallel, like windshield wipers, rather than moving in opposite directions.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using 'C' handshapes instead of flat 'B' handshapes. Using 'C' hands changes the meaning to 'act' or 'action'. Another mistake is moving the hands toward and away from each other instead of keeping them parallel as they swing side to side.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Behavior" in a Sentence
1

His behavior in class was excellent.

Sign "HIS", then "BEHAVIOR" using the side-to-side sweeping motion with "B" hands, followed by "CLASS" and "EXCELLENT".

2

Please watch your behavior at the party.

Sign "PLEASE", "WATCH", "YOUR", "BEHAVIOR", "PARTY". You can emphasize the sign for "behavior" with a slightly firmer side-to-side motion to convey the seriousness of the warning.

3

The dog's behavior changed suddenly.

Sign "DOG", "BEHAVIOR", "CHANGE", "SUDDEN". The sign for "behavior" remains the same, showing the general actions or conduct of the animal.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'behavior' and 'act' in ASL?

The movement is very similar, but 'behavior' uses flat 'B' handshapes, while 'act' or 'action' uses curved 'C' handshapes. 'Behavior' is simply an initialized version of the sign for 'act'.

Do my hands need to touch when signing 'behavior'?

No, your hands should not touch. Keep them a few inches apart in front of your body as they swing side to side together in a parallel motion.

How many times should I swing my hands?

Typically, you swing your hands side to side about two or three times. A continuous, repeated motion shows ongoing conduct or general behavior.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!