How to Sign "England"
To sign England, start by forming a modified 'L' or 'C' handshape with your dominant hand. Do this by extending your index finger and thumb while keeping your other three fingers curled into your palm. Next, place your index finger and thumb on opposite sides of your chin, as if you are gently grasping it. Hold the handshape there for a moment. This specific variation of the sign visually represents the chin strap of the iconic, tall bearskin hats worn by the Royal Palace Guards in London.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The visual logic behind this specific sign for England is wonderfully iconic and easy to remember once you know its origin. The placement of the index finger and thumb on the sides of the chin directly mimics the thick, distinctive chin straps of the tall bearskin hats worn by the Royal Palace Guards in London. By tracing or holding where that strap would sit on the face, the sign captures a universally recognized cultural symbol of the country, making it a highly visual and memorable gesture for learners.
Signing Tips
When practicing the sign for England, focus on keeping your handshape clean and distinct. Form a modified 'L' or 'C' shape with your dominant hand, ensuring only your index finger and thumb are extended. Place them gently on the sides of your chin, resting them there without pinching or pulling the skin. Keep your remaining three fingers curled neatly into your palm. Maintain a relaxed facial expression and posture. Remembering the visual imagery of a guard's chin strap will help you place your hand in the exact right spot every time.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make with this variation of England is using their entire hand to grasp their chin. If you let all your fingers drape over your chin and pull downward, it closely resembles the ASL sign for 'old' or 'beard', which can completely change the meaning of your sentence! Another common error is placing the hand too high up on the cheeks or too far down on the neck. Always ensure that only your index finger and thumb are making contact directly on the sides of your jawline or chin.
Regional Variations
The sign demonstrated here is a popular variation that is heavily influenced by International Sign (IS) and is widely recognized in various signing communities around the world. However, the most standard and traditional ASL sign for England is completely different. In standard ASL, you sign England by placing your dominant hand over the back of your palm-down non-dominant hand, grasping it, and pulling it slightly toward your body. It is highly beneficial for beginners to recognize both versions, as you will likely encounter both depending on the signer's background.
Examples Using "England" in a Sentence
1I want to visit England next year.
To express this sentence in ASL, you would start by signing 'Next year' to establish the timeframe. Then, point to yourself for 'I', sign 'want', and 'visit'. Finally, complete the thought by signing 'England', gently grasping the sides of your chin with your index finger and thumb.
2My friend lives in England.
Begin by signing 'My' with a flat hand to your chest, followed by the sign for 'friend' by hooking your index fingers together. Next, sign 'live' by bringing both 'A' hands up your torso. Conclude the sentence by using the chin-strap sign for 'England'.
3We are studying the history of England.
Start by pointing between yourself and others for 'We', then sign 'study' by wiggling your fingers over your non-dominant palm. Sign 'history' with an 'H' handshape moving up and down, and finish with the 'England' sign on your chin to specify the topic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there more than one way to sign England?
Yes, absolutely! While this video demonstrates the 'chin-strap' variation, which is very visual and often used in International Sign, the most standard ASL sign for England is different. The traditional ASL version involves placing your dominant hand over the back of your non-dominant hand and pulling it slightly toward your chest.
Can this sign also be used to mean the word English?
Yes, depending on the context of your conversation, this sign can sometimes be used to refer to the English language or people from England. However, the traditional two-handed ASL sign for England is much more commonly used when specifically discussing the English language or an English class in school.
Why does the sign look like I'm grabbing my chin?
The handshape and placement are intentionally designed to represent the thick chin strap of the iconic, tall bearskin hats worn by the King's Guard in London. This makes the sign a fun, highly visual representation of a famous cultural symbol associated with the country of England.
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