Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Drama"

To sign 'drama', form both hands into 'A' handshapes with your thumbs pointing up. Hold your hands in front of your chest with your palms facing each other. Move your hands in alternating backward circles, bringing them up, towards your chest, down, and forward.

Examples Using "Drama" in a Sentence

1

I love watching drama movies.

To express this, you would sign 'I', 'love', 'watch', 'drama', and 'movie'. The sign for 'drama' establishes the genre of the movies you enjoy.

2

She is studying drama in college.

You can sign this by pointing to the person for 'she', then signing 'study', 'drama', and 'college'. Here, 'drama' refers to the academic subject or theater arts.

3

There is too much drama in this group.

Sign 'this', 'group', 'too much', and 'drama'. In this context, 'drama' takes on the colloquial meaning of conflict or gossip.

How to Sign "Drama"
To sign 'drama', form both hands into 'A' handshapes with your thumbs pointing up. Hold your hands in front of your chest with your palms facing each other. Move your hands in alternating backward circles, bringing them up, towards your chest, down, and forward.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'drama' is also used for 'act', 'theater', and 'play' (as in a theatrical production). The alternating, continuous motion of the hands is thought to visually represent the ongoing action, character interaction, and dynamic performance taking place on a stage.
Signing Tips
Keep the alternating circular motion smooth and continuous, similar to pedaling a bicycle backward with your hands. Ensure your thumbs remain pointing up and your palms face each other throughout the entire movement. Relax your shoulders to make the sign look natural.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is moving both hands in unison rather than alternating them. Another frequent error is using flat hands or 'S' handshapes (fists with thumbs tucked) instead of the correct 'A' handshapes with the thumbs resting against the side of the index fingers.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Drama" in a Sentence
1

I love watching drama movies.

To express this, you would sign 'I', 'love', 'watch', 'drama', and 'movie'. The sign for 'drama' establishes the genre of the movies you enjoy.

2

She is studying drama in college.

You can sign this by pointing to the person for 'she', then signing 'study', 'drama', and 'college'. Here, 'drama' refers to the academic subject or theater arts.

3

There is too much drama in this group.

Sign 'this', 'group', 'too much', and 'drama'. In this context, 'drama' takes on the colloquial meaning of conflict or gossip.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'drama' the same as 'act'?

Yes, 'drama', 'act', and 'theater' all share the same sign. The exact meaning is determined by the context of your sentence. If you add the 'person' ending, it becomes 'actor'.

Which direction should the circles go?

Your hands should move in backward circles. They come up, move toward your chest, go down, and then push forward. Remember to alternate the hands so one is coming toward you while the other moves away.

Can I sign 'drama' with just one hand?

No, 'drama' is a two-handed sign. Using both hands is essential to convey the correct meaning, as the alternating motion represents the interaction and action inherent in a dramatic performance.

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