Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Chipmunk"

To sign 'chipmunk', start by forming both of your hands into bent 'V' handshapes, where your index and middle fingers are bent and your thumbs are tucked in. Bring both hands up in front of your mouth or lower face, positioning them so that your palms are facing toward each other. Finally, lightly tap the fingertips of your bent 'V' hands together twice in a quick motion. This action visually mimics a small rodent holding a nut in its paws and nibbling on it.

Examples Using "Chipmunk" in a Sentence

1

I saw a chipmunk in the yard.

To express this sentence, you would start by signing 'chipmunk' using the bent 'V' handshapes near your mouth. Afterward, you can use the ASL signs for 'yard' or 'outside' to establish the location, and finish by pointing or signing 'see' to describe your observation of the animal.

2

The chipmunk is eating a nut.

Begin with the sign for 'chipmunk' to establish the subject of your sentence. Next, use the standard sign for 'eat' by bringing a squished 'O' handshape to your mouth, and follow up with the sign for 'nut' by flicking your thumb off your front teeth.

3

Chipmunks are very fast animals.

Start by signing 'chipmunk' to introduce the topic. Then, use the sign for 'fast' by extending your index fingers and pulling them back quickly into 'X' handshapes. You can emphasize the speed with a matching facial expression to show just how quick they are.

How to Sign "Chipmunk"
To sign 'chipmunk', start by forming both of your hands into bent 'V' handshapes, where your index and middle fingers are bent and your thumbs are tucked in. Bring both hands up in front of your mouth or lower face, positioning them so that your palms are facing toward each other. Finally, lightly tap the fingertips of your bent 'V' hands together twice in a quick motion. This action visually mimics a small rodent holding a nut in its paws and nibbling on it.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'chipmunk' is a wonderful example of an iconic sign in ASL, meaning it visually resembles the concept it represents. The bent 'V' handshapes and their placement near the mouth directly mimic the front paws of a small rodent, like a chipmunk or squirrel. The quick tapping motion of the fingertips represents the animal holding a small nut or seed and rapidly nibbling on it. This visual logic makes the sign highly intuitive and relatively easy for beginners to remember.
Signing Tips
To execute the sign for 'chipmunk' cleanly, focus on keeping the tapping motion small, quick, and precise. Your hands should be positioned comfortably in front of your mouth or lower face, rather than down by your chest. This placement is crucial because it mimics the natural behavior of the animal eating. Ensure that only the fingertips of your bent 'V' hands are making contact. Adding a slight, quick rhythm to the double tap will help convey the fast, twitchy nature of a chipmunk.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make with this sign is using full 'C' handshapes or claw hands instead of the specific bent 'V' handshapes. Using the wrong handshape can confuse the meaning or make the sign look sloppy. Another common error is tapping the knuckles or the palms together rather than just the fingertips. Additionally, be careful not to make the movement too large or place your hands too low on your torso; the sign should remain compact and close to your mouth.
Regional Variations
While the sign demonstrated is widely understood for both 'squirrel' and 'chipmunk', some signers prefer to make a clear distinction between the two animals. To specifically indicate a chipmunk, a signer might first perform this standard sign and then use a '4' handshape to trace stripes down their back or shoulder. This added descriptive classifier highlights the chipmunk's distinct physical feature. However, in most casual contexts, the base sign is perfectly sufficient and context will clarify which animal you mean.
Examples Using "Chipmunk" in a Sentence
1

I saw a chipmunk in the yard.

To express this sentence, you would start by signing 'chipmunk' using the bent 'V' handshapes near your mouth. Afterward, you can use the ASL signs for 'yard' or 'outside' to establish the location, and finish by pointing or signing 'see' to describe your observation of the animal.

2

The chipmunk is eating a nut.

Begin with the sign for 'chipmunk' to establish the subject of your sentence. Next, use the standard sign for 'eat' by bringing a squished 'O' handshape to your mouth, and follow up with the sign for 'nut' by flicking your thumb off your front teeth.

3

Chipmunks are very fast animals.

Start by signing 'chipmunk' to introduce the topic. Then, use the sign for 'fast' by extending your index fingers and pulling them back quickly into 'X' handshapes. You can emphasize the speed with a matching facial expression to show just how quick they are.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for chipmunk the same as the sign for squirrel?

Yes, in American Sign Language, the sign demonstrated here is commonly used to represent both chipmunks and squirrels. Because they are similar small rodents, the base sign is identical. If you need to be highly specific, you can add a descriptive sign showing stripes down the back to clarify that you mean a chipmunk rather than a squirrel.

Should my hands actually touch when making this sign?

Yes, your hands should make physical contact during this sign. Specifically, the fingertips of your bent 'V' hands should lightly tap together twice. Make sure you are tapping just the fingertips and not the knuckles or palms, as this keeps the sign looking accurate and mimics the animal's small paws.

Can I use facial expressions, like puffing my cheeks, with this sign?

Absolutely! While it is not strictly required to understand the word, puffing your cheeks slightly can add a fun, expressive element to the sign. It visually mimics a chipmunk storing food in its cheeks, which enhances the iconic nature of the sign and makes your ASL more lively and natural.

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