How to Sign "Deal"
To sign 'deal' (which shares the same sign as 'agree'), start by forming a '1' handshape with your dominant hand and touching your index finger to your forehead. Next, bring both hands out in front of your body, keeping the '1' handshapes. Point both index fingers straight forward, parallel to the ground. Finally, bring your hands together so that the sides of your index fingers touch side-by-side. The motion should flow smoothly from the head down to the space in front of you.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'deal' is a beautiful example of ASL's visual logic. It is a compound sign built from two distinct concepts: 'think' and 'same.' The first movement, pointing to the forehead, represents the mind or thoughts. The second movement, bringing two parallel index fingers together side-by-side, represents things being identical, aligned, or the 'same.' When you put them together, the sign literally translates to 'thinking the same.' This perfectly captures the concept of reaching an agreement or making a deal.
Signing Tips
When signing 'deal,' focus on creating a smooth, continuous transition between the two parts of the sign. Because this is a compound sign made of the concepts 'think' and 'same,' blending the motions naturally will make your signing look much more fluent. You do not need to pause between touching your forehead and bringing your hands together. Keep your non-dominant hand comfortably positioned in front of your chest, ready to meet your dominant hand as it moves down from your head.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is pointing the index fingers upward or at an awkward angle when bringing the hands together. Remember that the second part of the sign requires both index fingers to point straight ahead, parallel to the ground. Another frequent error is using the whole flat hand instead of isolating just the index fingers. Keep your other fingers curled into your palms to maintain clear '1' handshapes throughout the entire sign.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Deal" in a Sentence
1We have a deal.
To express this, point back and forth between yourself and the other person to indicate 'we.' Then, sign 'deal' by touching your forehead and bringing your index fingers together smoothly.
2Is it a deal?
Sign 'deal' while raising your eyebrows, widening your eyes, and leaning forward slightly. These non-manual markers are essential in ASL to turn the statement into a yes/no question.
3That is a great deal!
Sign 'that,' followed by 'good,' and then 'deal.' Be sure to use an enthusiastic facial expression and a slightly larger, more energetic signing motion to emphasize that the agreement is highly positive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the exact same sign as 'agree'?
Yes! In ASL, the concept of making a deal is expressed using the sign for 'agree.' A deal is essentially two people coming to a mutual understanding or agreement, so the same visual concept applies to both English words.
Can I use this sign for dealing a deck of cards?
No, this sign is specifically used for an agreement, a bargain, or a business deal. If you are talking about dealing playing cards, you would use a completely different sign that mimics the physical action of passing out cards.
What should my non-dominant hand do at the beginning?
While your dominant hand is touching your forehead for the 'think' portion of the sign, your non-dominant hand should simply wait in a relaxed '1' handshape in front of your chest. It joins the action when both hands come together.
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