Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Fall"

Bend your non-dominant arm at the elbow, slightly resting your hand toward your opposite shoulder. With your dominant hand in a B shape, gently brush down on your non-dominant elbow with the outside of your index finger, as though brushing something off your elbow toward the ground.

Examples Using "Fall" in a Sentence

1

My favorite season is fall.

To sign this, you would sign 'MY FAVORITE SEASON' followed by 'FALL.' When you sign 'FALL,' make sure to use your dominant 'B' hand to gently brush down your non-dominant elbow, keeping the movement smooth and downward.

2

The leaves change color in the fall.

Start by signing 'LEAVES CHANGE COLOR' and then finish the sentence with the sign for 'FALL.' Remember to keep your non-dominant arm steady across your chest while your dominant hand performs the brushing motion toward the ground.

3

School starts in the fall.

You can express this by signing 'SCHOOL START' followed by 'FALL.' Ensure your dominant hand maintains a crisp, flat 'B' shape as the side of your index finger lightly brushes down your non-dominant elbow to represent the season.

How to Sign "Fall"
Bend your non-dominant arm at the elbow, slightly resting your hand toward your opposite shoulder. With your dominant hand in a B shape, gently brush down on your non-dominant elbow with the outside of your index finger, as though brushing something off your elbow toward the ground.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'fall' is highly iconic and visually represents the natural environment during the autumn season. Specifically, it mimics leaves falling from a tree. In this sign, your bent non-dominant arm acts as the sturdy branch of a tree. Your dominant hand, formed in a flat 'B' shape, represents a leaf. The downward brushing motion perfectly captures the visual of that leaf detaching from the branch and gently drifting downward toward the ground as the seasons change.
Signing Tips
To make this sign look natural, keep your non-dominant arm relaxed but steady across your chest, acting as a solid base. When making the brushing motion with your dominant hand, use a smooth, deliberate downward stroke. Ensure your dominant hand is in a flat, closed 'B' shape, with your fingers together and your thumb tucked alongside. Let the side of your index finger make light, gentle contact with your elbow as it moves down. The movement should feel effortless, just like a leaf gently falling from a tree branch.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is brushing upward or side-to-side instead of straight downward. The downward motion is crucial because it represents falling leaves. Another frequent error is using a loose, open handshape rather than a crisp, flat 'B' shape. Additionally, beginners sometimes move their non-dominant arm during the sign. Remember to keep your base arm completely still while only your dominant hand performs the active brushing movement. Finally, avoid slapping your elbow; the contact should be a light, gentle brush.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Fall" in a Sentence
1

My favorite season is fall.

To sign this, you would sign 'MY FAVORITE SEASON' followed by 'FALL.' When you sign 'FALL,' make sure to use your dominant 'B' hand to gently brush down your non-dominant elbow, keeping the movement smooth and downward.

2

The leaves change color in the fall.

Start by signing 'LEAVES CHANGE COLOR' and then finish the sentence with the sign for 'FALL.' Remember to keep your non-dominant arm steady across your chest while your dominant hand performs the brushing motion toward the ground.

3

School starts in the fall.

You can express this by signing 'SCHOOL START' followed by 'FALL.' Ensure your dominant hand maintains a crisp, flat 'B' shape as the side of your index finger lightly brushes down your non-dominant elbow to represent the season.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is this sign used for falling down?

No, this specific sign is exclusively used for the season of Autumn. If you want to sign that a person or an object physically fell down, you would use a completely different sign, typically involving a 'V' handshape falling onto your flat palm.

Does it matter which arm I use as the base?

Yes, it is important to use your non-dominant arm as the stationary base, representing the tree branch. Your dominant hand should always be the one doing the active downward brushing motion. This keeps your signing clear and consistent with ASL grammar.

How many times should I brush my elbow?

Typically, you will brush down your elbow once or twice in a smooth, gentle motion. A single, distinct downward brush is standard when referring to the season in a sentence, but a double brush is also perfectly acceptable and commonly used.

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