To sign "element", start with your dominant hand in an 'E' handshape (fingers curled in with the thumb resting against them) held up near your shoulder, with your palm facing forward. Move your hand straight down. As your hand moves downward, open your fingers and thumb slightly to transition into a 'C' handshape.
Sign 'oxygen' (often fingerspelled O-X-Y-G-E-N), 'important', and then use the sign for 'element'.
Sign 'we', 'learn', 'chemistry', and then use the sign for 'element'.
Sign 'plan', 'have', 'new', and finish with the sign for 'element' to show it has a new component.
Sign 'oxygen' (often fingerspelled O-X-Y-G-E-N), 'important', and then use the sign for 'element'.
Sign 'we', 'learn', 'chemistry', and then use the sign for 'element'.
Sign 'plan', 'have', 'new', and finish with the sign for 'element' to show it has a new component.
Yes! While the transition to a 'C' handshape strongly hints at a 'chemical element', this sign is often used broadly in educational settings to mean a component or element of a larger concept or system.
No, this specific variation of 'element' is a one-handed sign. You only need to use your dominant hand to perform the downward movement and handshape change.
The change from 'E' to 'C' should be fluid and happen simultaneously with the downward movement. Don't pause to change the handshape; let it open naturally as your hand drops.
