How to Sign "Deliver"
To sign 'deliver,' start with both hands in front of your body, palms facing up and fingers pointing forward. Imagine you are holding a package or a tray. Move both hands forward together in a smooth, slight arc away from your body. This motion visually represents the act of handing something over or bringing an item to another person.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'deliver' is highly iconic, meaning it looks very much like the action it represents. The flat, upward-facing palms mimic the physical act of holding a package, a box, or a tray of goods. The forward movement directly illustrates the action of carrying that object and handing it over to someone else, making it very intuitive to learn.
Signing Tips
When signing 'deliver,' focus on keeping your palms flat and facing upward throughout the entire motion, as if you are balancing a box on your hands. Ensure both hands move together in unison. The movement should be smooth and deliberate. Because this is a directional sign, you can adjust the starting and ending points depending on who is delivering to whom.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is turning their palms inward or downward during the forward movement. It is important to keep your palms facing up the entire time, as if you are physically carrying and handing off a real object. Another mistake is only using one hand; 'deliver' requires both hands to accurately show the transfer of an item.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Deliver" in a Sentence
1The mail carrier will deliver the package today.
Establish the subject by signing 'mail carrier' and 'package', then use the sign for 'deliver' by moving both hands forward to show the action, and finish with 'today'.
2Can you deliver this letter to him?
Point to the letter, then sign 'deliver' by moving your hands outward in the direction of the person receiving it. Keep your eyebrows raised to indicate a yes/no question.
3They deliver pizza to our house.
Sign 'pizza', then use the 'deliver' sign moving from an outward position toward yourself to indicate that the pizza is being brought to your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'deliver' the same as 'bring'?
Yes, the sign for 'deliver' is the same as the sign for 'bring' or 'carry'. The specific meaning is usually clear based on the context of your sentence and the other signs you use.
Does the direction of the movement matter?
Absolutely! This is a directional sign. If you are delivering something to someone else, move your hands forward. If someone is delivering something to you, move your hands from a forward position toward your body.
Can I sign this with just one hand?
No, 'deliver' is a two-handed sign. Using both hands is important because it visually conveys the idea of carrying a package or a substantial item that requires both hands to hold.
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