How to Sign "Distraction"
To sign "distraction," start with both hands near the sides of your head in "open 8" handshapes. This means your fingers are spread out, but your middle fingers are bent slightly forward toward your extended thumbs. Move your hands in alternating, small fluttering motions. As your hands move, repeatedly pinch your middle fingers and thumbs together, changing from an "open 8" to a closed "8" handshape. This scattered, alternating motion near the head perfectly illustrates your attention being pulled in different directions.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visually represents your thoughts or attention being scattered. The hands are placed near the head to indicate the mind, while the fluttering, alternating motion of the fingers pulling in different directions mimics the exact feeling of a brain unable to focus on just one single thing.
Signing Tips
Keep the movement relatively close to your head, as this sign directly relates to the mind and your mental attention. Ensure your middle fingers and thumbs are the ones actively pinching together, while your index, ring, and pinky fingers remain comfortably spread out. Let the movement feel light and fluttery.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using the index fingers instead of the middle fingers to do the pinching. Double-check that you are using the 'open 8' handshape rather than an 'open G' or 'pinch' handshape. Another mistake is making the alternating motions too large or moving them too far away from the head.
Regional Variations
While the two-handed 'open 8' version is widely understood, some signers might use a variation where one hand (often in a '5' handshape) waves across the front of the face. This alternative variation specifically represents a visual distraction blocking your line of sight.
Examples Using "Distraction" in a Sentence
1The loud noise was a distraction.
Sign 'loud' and 'noise,' then use the alternating pinching motion near your head for 'distraction.' Your facial expression should show that your focus was broken by the sound.
2I can't study with all these distractions.
After signing 'study' and 'can't,' emphasize the 'distraction' sign by making the alternating motions slightly larger and more erratic to show that there are multiple things pulling your attention away.
3Sorry, I was distracted.
Sign 'sorry' and point to yourself, then perform the 'distraction' sign near your head. Pair this with an apologetic facial expression to show that you didn't mean to lose focus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this sign be used for both "distraction" and "distract"?
Yes! In ASL, this same sign is used whether you are saying "That is a distraction" (noun) or "You distract me" (verb). The context of your sentence and your facial expressions will make the exact meaning clear to the person you are signing with.
Does facial expression matter for this sign?
Absolutely. Your face provides the tone of the sign. If you are annoyed by a loud distraction, furrow your eyebrows and show frustration. If you are apologizing for being distracted during a conversation, use a soft, apologetic expression to convey your regret.
Why do we use the middle finger for this sign?
The "open 8" handshape, which uses the middle finger, is very common in ASL for signs related to feelings, internal physical sensations, or mental states. You will see this same handshape in other emotion or sensation-based signs like "feel," "sick," or "pity."
Related ASL Signs
