How to Sign "Citizen"

To sign **citizen**, form a 'C' handshape with your dominant hand. Tap the thumb side of the 'C' against the non-dominant side of your upper chest. Then, move your hand in a slight arc across your body to tap the dominant side of your upper chest.

Examples Using "Citizen" in a Sentence

1

I am a proud citizen.

Sign 'I', 'proud', and then 'citizen'.

2

She became a citizen last year.

Sign 'Last year', point to her, then sign 'become' and 'citizen'.

3

Are you a citizen of this country?

Sign 'You', 'citizen', 'this', and 'country', while raising your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.

How to Sign "Citizen"
To sign **citizen**, form a 'C' handshape with your dominant hand. Tap the thumb side of the 'C' against the non-dominant side of your upper chest. Then, move your hand in a slight arc across your body to tap the dominant side of your upper chest.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This is an initialized sign, using the 'C' handshape to represent the English word 'citizen'. The movement across the chest from one shoulder to the other is a common location for signs related to titles, roles, and official affiliations, such as 'committee' or 'congress'.
Signing Tips
Keep the movement crisp and deliberate. The arc across your chest should be subtle, and the taps should be light but clear. Make sure your 'C' handshape is well-formed with your palm facing slightly inward toward your body.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is making a continuous circular rubbing motion over the heart with the 'C' handshape, which is actually the sign for 'character'. Ensure you are distinctly tapping the non-dominant side and then the dominant side of your chest.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Citizen" in a Sentence
1

I am a proud citizen.

Sign 'I', 'proud', and then 'citizen'.

2

She became a citizen last year.

Sign 'Last year', point to her, then sign 'become' and 'citizen'.

3

Are you a citizen of this country?

Sign 'You', 'citizen', 'this', and 'country', while raising your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'citizen' the same as 'congress'?

They are very similar, as both use the 'C' handshape moving across the chest from the non-dominant to the dominant side. Context usually makes it clear which word you mean.

Can I use this sign for 'client'?

Yes, 'client' is often signed the exact same way. However, another common variation for 'client' involves moving the 'C' handshape straight down the dominant side of the chest.

Does it matter which side of the chest I start on?

Yes, you should always start on the non-dominant side of your chest and move to the dominant side. If you are right-handed, start on your left side and move to your right.

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