How to Sign "Built"
To sign 'built', form both hands into 'U' handshapes, extending your index and middle fingers while keeping them together. Hold your hands in front of you with your palms facing down. Place the fingers of your dominant hand across the fingers of your non-dominant hand. Then, alternate the motion by lifting your non-dominant hand and placing its fingers across your dominant hand. Repeat this alternating, overlapping motion a few times while moving your hands slightly upward.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'built' is highly iconic and visually represents the physical act of construction. The alternating 'U' handshapes mimic the process of laying down materials, such as stacking bricks or boards one on top of another, to build a structure from the ground up.
Signing Tips
Make sure to keep your index and middle fingers tightly together to form clear 'U' handshapes. The movement should be a distinct, alternating stacking motion, moving slightly upward as if you are laying bricks one on top of the other. Keep the motion rhythmic and deliberate.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using flat hands instead of the 'U' handshape, which can make the sign look sloppy. Another mistake is keeping the hands stationary; the upward motion is key to conveying the idea of constructing or building something up.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Built" in a Sentence
1They built a new house.
Sign 'THEY', then use the 'built' sign by alternating your 'U' hands upwards, followed by 'NEW' and 'HOUSE'.
2I built a sandcastle at the beach.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'built' with the upward stacking motion, then sign 'SAND' and 'CASTLE'.
3We built a strong friendship.
Sign 'WE', then use the 'built' sign to show the development, followed by 'STRONG' and 'FRIENDSHIP'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between 'build' and 'built' in ASL?
In ASL, the same sign is typically used for both 'build' and 'built'. Tense is usually established by the context of the sentence or by adding a time sign like 'PAST' or 'FINISH' to indicate that the action has already happened.
How high should I move my hands when signing 'built'?
You only need to move your hands up a few inches, completing about two to three alternating overlaps. The upward movement should be noticeable but doesn't need to extend above your chest level.
Can I use this sign for abstract concepts, like building a relationship?
Yes! While the sign visually represents physical construction, it is also commonly used for abstract concepts like building a business, building trust, or building a team.
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