To sign Chicago, form a 'C' handshape with your dominant hand. Start with your hand in front of your dominant shoulder, with your palm facing forward or slightly toward your non-dominant side. Move your hand slightly outward to the side, then bring it straight down, tracing the shape of a number 7 in the air.
Sign 'I', 'travel', 'Chicago', and 'next week'. When signing Chicago, make sure the 'C' handshape is clear and the '7' motion is distinct so it isn't confused with other 'C' signs.
Sign 'Chicago', 'windy', and 'city'. You can use exaggerated facial expressions and a larger movement for 'windy' to emphasize just how windy the city is.
Sign 'My', 'family', 'live', and 'Chicago'. Keep the downward motion of Chicago crisp and controlled, stopping neatly at chest level.
Sign 'I', 'travel', 'Chicago', and 'next week'. When signing Chicago, make sure the 'C' handshape is clear and the '7' motion is distinct so it isn't confused with other 'C' signs.
Sign 'Chicago', 'windy', and 'city'. You can use exaggerated facial expressions and a larger movement for 'windy' to emphasize just how windy the city is.
Sign 'My', 'family', 'live', and 'Chicago'. Keep the downward motion of Chicago crisp and controlled, stopping neatly at chest level.
Many city and state signs in ASL use the first letter of the location's name combined with a specific movement. The '7' motion (over and down) is a common convention for several places, helping to distinguish the city from other everyday words that also start with 'C'.
Because Chicago is a one-handed sign, you should always use your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, use your right hand; if you are left-handed, use your left hand. Just make sure you move outward from your body before moving down.
While you can always fingerspell a proper noun if you forget the sign, the sign for Chicago is very common, iconic, and widely recognized across the United States. It is highly recommended to learn and use the specific sign instead of spelling it out.
