How to Sign "Develop"

To sign 'develop', hold your non-dominant hand flat with the fingers pointing up and the palm facing your dominant side. Form a 'D' handshape with your dominant hand. Place the side of your dominant 'D' hand against the palm of your non-dominant hand, and slide it upward.

Examples Using "Develop" in a Sentence

1

We need to develop a new plan.

Sign 'we', 'need', 'new', and 'plan', then use 'develop' to show the creation or growth of that plan.

2

The city is developing quickly.

Sign 'city', then use 'develop' followed by 'fast' to describe the rapid growth of the area.

3

She wants to develop her ASL skills.

Sign 'she', 'want', 'ASL', and 'skill', then use 'develop' to indicate improving or building upon those abilities.

How to Sign "Develop"
To sign 'develop', hold your non-dominant hand flat with the fingers pointing up and the palm facing your dominant side. Form a 'D' handshape with your dominant hand. Place the side of your dominant 'D' hand against the palm of your non-dominant hand, and slide it upward.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign incorporates the 'D' handshape as an initialized marker for the English word 'develop'. The upward sliding motion against the stationary base hand visually represents the concept of something growing, rising, or building up from a solid foundation.
Signing Tips
Focus on keeping your non-dominant hand steady and stationary, acting as a solid foundation. The upward movement of your dominant 'D' hand should be smooth and deliberate. Ensure your index finger is pointing straight up to maintain a clear 'D' handshape throughout the motion.
Common Mistakes
A frequent error is moving both hands upward simultaneously; remember that only the dominant hand should move. Another common mistake is using a flat handshape instead of a 'D' handshape, which can make the sign look like 'improve' or 'advance' rather than 'develop'.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Develop" in a Sentence
1

We need to develop a new plan.

Sign 'we', 'need', 'new', and 'plan', then use 'develop' to show the creation or growth of that plan.

2

The city is developing quickly.

Sign 'city', then use 'develop' followed by 'fast' to describe the rapid growth of the area.

3

She wants to develop her ASL skills.

Sign 'she', 'want', 'ASL', and 'skill', then use 'develop' to indicate improving or building upon those abilities.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign for developing a photograph?

No, developing a photograph uses a different sign that mimics the physical action of swishing a photo in chemical trays. The sign shown here is used for conceptual development, such as developing a plan, a skill, or a piece of land.

What is the difference between 'develop' and 'improve'?

'Develop' is initialized with a 'D' handshape that slides up the base hand. 'Improve' uses a flat handshape that typically moves up the non-dominant arm or hand in distinct steps.

Does my non-dominant hand need to be perfectly vertical?

It doesn't have to be perfectly vertical, but it should be upright enough to allow your dominant hand to slide upward along the palm comfortably. A slight angle is natural and perfectly acceptable.

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