Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Charity"

To sign 'charity,' start with your non-dominant hand flat in front of you, palm facing up. Form a thumbs-up shape (an 'A' handshape with the thumb extended) with your dominant hand and place it on your non-dominant palm. Finally, move both hands forward together, away from your body.

Examples Using "Charity" in a Sentence

1

I volunteer for a charity.

To sign this, you would sign 'I', 'volunteer', and then 'charity'. In this context, the sign for charity represents the organization you are dedicating your time to. Make sure to push the sign forward to show the outward direction of the charitable support.

2

We need to raise money for charity.

Start by signing 'We', 'need', 'money', 'raise', and finish with 'charity'. The forward movement of the charity sign effectively shows the aid or funds going out to the cause. You can also use the sign for 'donate' if you want to emphasize the financial aspect.

3

She works at a local charity.

You can express this by signing 'She', 'work', 'local' (or 'area'), and 'charity'. Keep the movement of the charity sign clear, steady, and directed forward to indicate the organization itself. Your facial expressions should remain neutral and informative to match the statement.

How to Sign "Charity"
To sign 'charity,' start with your non-dominant hand flat in front of you, palm facing up. Form a thumbs-up shape (an 'A' handshape with the thumb extended) with your dominant hand and place it on your non-dominant palm. Finally, move both hands forward together, away from your body.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is visually identical to the standard ASL sign for 'help' or 'assist,' which makes perfect sense given the meaning of the word. The dominant hand is supported and lifted by the flat non-dominant hand, powerfully symbolizing the act of lifting someone up, providing a foundation, or offering support. By moving the hands forward and away from the signer's body, the gesture visually represents the aid, resources, or charity going outward from the giver to those in need.
Signing Tips
When signing 'charity,' make sure both hands move together as a single unit when pushing forward. The non-dominant hand acts as a foundation, so keep it flat and steady under your dominant hand throughout the entire motion. The movement should be smooth, intentional, and directed outward to clearly convey the idea of giving. Keep your facial expressions aligned with the context of your sentence, whether you are expressing enthusiasm for a cause or a serious need for assistance.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is moving only the dominant hand forward while leaving the non-dominant hand stationary. For this sign to be accurate, both hands must move forward together as a single, connected unit. Additionally, ensure your dominant thumb is pointing straight up rather than resting sideways or tucked in. Another frequent error is making the movement too large or exaggerated; a simple, controlled forward motion of a few inches is all you need to convey the meaning clearly.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Charity" in a Sentence
1

I volunteer for a charity.

To sign this, you would sign 'I', 'volunteer', and then 'charity'. In this context, the sign for charity represents the organization you are dedicating your time to. Make sure to push the sign forward to show the outward direction of the charitable support.

2

We need to raise money for charity.

Start by signing 'We', 'need', 'money', 'raise', and finish with 'charity'. The forward movement of the charity sign effectively shows the aid or funds going out to the cause. You can also use the sign for 'donate' if you want to emphasize the financial aspect.

3

She works at a local charity.

You can express this by signing 'She', 'work', 'local' (or 'area'), and 'charity'. Keep the movement of the charity sign clear, steady, and directed forward to indicate the organization itself. Your facial expressions should remain neutral and informative to match the statement.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'charity' the same as 'help'?

Yes, in many ASL contexts, the standard sign for 'help' is also used to mean 'charity,' 'aid,' or 'assistance.' Depending on the specific context of your sentence, you might also see the sign for 'donate' used, especially when referring strictly to giving money, clothes, or other physical items.

Does the direction of the movement matter?

Yes, it matters a lot! This is a directional sign in ASL. Moving the sign forward and away from your body means you are giving charity or helping someone else. Conversely, if you move the sign toward yourself, it changes the meaning to show that you are receiving charity or help.

Can I use this sign to refer to a charitable organization?

Absolutely. You can use this sign to refer to a charity as a noun, meaning the organization itself, or as the action of providing charitable aid to a cause. The context of your sentence and the signs you use around it will make your intended meaning clear to the listener.

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