How to Sign "Counselor"

To sign 'counselor', start by forming a loose fist with your non-dominant hand, palm facing down. Place your dominant hand on top of it with your fingers pinched together. Move your dominant hand forward while opening your fingers outward. Finally, add the 'person' marker by holding both hands flat with palms facing each other and moving them straight down.

Examples Using "Counselor" in a Sentence

1

I need to see my school counselor.

Sign 'school' followed by 'counselor' to specify the type of professional you are referring to.

2

The counselor gave me great advice.

Use the sign for 'counselor' as the subject of the sentence, followed by the signs for 'give' and 'good advice'.

3

She wants to become a camp counselor.

Sign 'camp' before signing 'counselor' to describe the specific role she wants to pursue.

How to Sign "Counselor"
To sign 'counselor', start by forming a loose fist with your non-dominant hand, palm facing down. Place your dominant hand on top of it with your fingers pinched together. Move your dominant hand forward while opening your fingers outward. Finally, add the 'person' marker by holding both hands flat with palms facing each other and moving them straight down.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a compound of two concepts. The first part is the sign for 'counsel' or 'advice', where the opening hand represents giving out guidance or spreading knowledge. The second part is the 'person' suffix, which outlines the shape of a human body to indicate an individual performing the action.
Signing Tips
Ensure the forward motion of your dominant hand clearly opens up, symbolizing the spreading of advice or guidance. Keep your non-dominant hand steady as a base during the first part of the sign.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake is forgetting to add the 'person' marker at the end. Without the downward motion of the flat hands, the sign simply means 'counsel' or 'advice' rather than the person providing it.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Counselor" in a Sentence
1

I need to see my school counselor.

Sign 'school' followed by 'counselor' to specify the type of professional you are referring to.

2

The counselor gave me great advice.

Use the sign for 'counselor' as the subject of the sentence, followed by the signs for 'give' and 'good advice'.

3

She wants to become a camp counselor.

Sign 'camp' before signing 'counselor' to describe the specific role she wants to pursue.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'counsel' and 'counselor'?

The sign for 'counsel' or 'advice' is just the first part of the movement. To sign 'counselor', you must add the 'person' marker at the end by moving both flat hands downward, which changes the meaning to the person who gives the counsel.

Can this sign be used for any type of counselor?

Yes, this sign is versatile and can be used for various types of counselors, including school counselors, camp counselors, or therapists. You can add context signs like 'school' or 'camp' beforehand for clarity.

Should my non-dominant hand move during the first part of the sign?

No, your non-dominant hand should remain stationary. It acts as a stable base while your dominant hand moves forward and opens up to show the action of giving advice.

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