Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Desert"

To sign 'desert', you will combine the signs for 'dry' and 'area'. Start by forming an 'X' handshape with your dominant hand, bending your index finger like a hook. Drag the side of your index finger across your chin from left to right. Then, smoothly change your hand to an open '5' handshape with your fingers spread and your palm facing down. Make a flat, horizontal circular sweeping motion in front of your body to represent the vast expanse of land.

Examples Using "Desert" in a Sentence

1

The desert is very hot.

Sign 'DESERT' by combining 'DRY' and 'AREA', then sign 'VERY HOT'. Emphasize the intense heat with your facial expression by squinting slightly and opening your mouth as if you are panting.

2

We drove through the desert.

Point to yourself and others for 'WE', sign 'DRIVE' by mimicking a steering wheel, and then sign 'DESERT' using the two-part motion of wiping your chin and sweeping your hand flat.

3

Cactus plants grow in the desert.

In ASL, you often establish the location first. Sign 'DESERT' to set the scene, then sign 'CACTUS' and 'GROW'. This paints a clear visual picture of the plants in that dry environment.

How to Sign "Desert"
To sign 'desert', you will combine the signs for 'dry' and 'area'. Start by forming an 'X' handshape with your dominant hand, bending your index finger like a hook. Drag the side of your index finger across your chin from left to right. Then, smoothly change your hand to an open '5' handshape with your fingers spread and your palm facing down. Make a flat, horizontal circular sweeping motion in front of your body to represent the vast expanse of land.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a wonderful example of an ASL compound, combining two highly visual concepts: 'DRY' and 'AREA'. The first part of the sign, wiping a hooked finger across the chin, visually represents wiping away saliva, which indicates a lack of moisture or severe dryness. The second part uses a flat, sweeping hand to outline a broad, flat expanse of land on the ground. When you put them together, the literal translation is 'dry area', which perfectly and logically describes a desert environment.
Signing Tips
When signing 'desert', focus on making the transition between the two distinct parts of the sign as smooth and fluid as possible. The 'dry' part, where you wipe your chin, should flow naturally into the 'area' part without a long pause. Keep your palm facing down during the second part to clearly indicate a flat, horizontal expanse of land. Additionally, incorporating a slightly parched or squinting facial expression can help convey the harsh, dry environment of a desert, adding more depth to your signing.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is forgetting the first part of the sign ('dry') and only signing 'area', which changes the meaning to just a general space, field, or plot of land. Another frequent error is using a straight index finger instead of the hooked 'X' handshape when wiping across the chin, which can confuse the sign with 'sour' or 'boring'. Make sure to clearly bend that index finger and execute both halves of the compound sign to accurately communicate 'desert'.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Desert" in a Sentence
1

The desert is very hot.

Sign 'DESERT' by combining 'DRY' and 'AREA', then sign 'VERY HOT'. Emphasize the intense heat with your facial expression by squinting slightly and opening your mouth as if you are panting.

2

We drove through the desert.

Point to yourself and others for 'WE', sign 'DRIVE' by mimicking a steering wheel, and then sign 'DESERT' using the two-part motion of wiping your chin and sweeping your hand flat.

3

Cactus plants grow in the desert.

In ASL, you often establish the location first. Sign 'DESERT' to set the scene, then sign 'CACTUS' and 'GROW'. This paints a clear visual picture of the plants in that dry environment.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'desert' use two different signs?

In ASL, many specific concepts are expressed by combining two descriptive signs into a compound sign. 'Desert' is made of 'DRY' and 'AREA', which literally translates to 'dry land'. This visual combination efficiently describes the environment without needing a unique, standalone sign.

Do I have to use my right hand?

You should always use your dominant hand for both parts of the sign. If you are left-handed, form the 'X' handshape with your left hand, drag it across your chin from right to left, and then use your left hand for the sweeping 'area' motion.

Is this the same sign used for the sweet food 'dessert'?

No, they are completely different signs! The sweet treat 'dessert' is signed by bringing two 'D' handshapes together in front of you, whereas the dry land 'desert' uses the 'DRY' + 'AREA' combination. Context and using the correct sign will prevent any confusion.

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