Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Fault"

To sign 'fault,' start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing down. Form your dominant hand into an 'A' handshape, keeping your fingers curled and your thumb pointing upward against the side of your index finger. Bring your dominant hand down to rest firmly on the back of your non-dominant hand. The movement is a single, deliberate placement.

Examples Using "Fault" in a Sentence

1

I'm sorry, it is my fault.

Sign 'SORRY', then point to yourself for 'MY', and sign 'FAULT' by bringing the dominant hand slightly toward your chest as it rests on your base hand to show you are taking the blame.

2

It is not your fault.

Sign 'NOT', then point to the person for 'YOUR', and finish with the sign for 'FAULT', pushing the sign slightly forward to indicate the blame does not belong to them.

3

Whose fault is it?

Sign 'WHO' while keeping your eyebrows furrowed to indicate a 'Wh-' question, followed by the sign for 'FAULT'. Hold the furrowed eyebrows through the end of the sentence.

How to Sign "Fault"
To sign 'fault,' start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing down. Form your dominant hand into an 'A' handshape, keeping your fingers curled and your thumb pointing upward against the side of your index finger. Bring your dominant hand down to rest firmly on the back of your non-dominant hand. The movement is a single, deliberate placement.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'fault' visually represents placing a heavy burden, weight, or mark onto a surface. The solid 'A' handshape acts as the burden of responsibility or guilt, while the flat non-dominant hand serves as the foundation or the person receiving it. By placing the fist onto the back of the hand, it creates a clear visual metaphor for pinning the responsibility or 'weight' of an action onto someone, which perfectly aligns with the concepts of fault and blame.
Signing Tips
When signing 'fault,' pay attention to your dominant hand's thumb—it should be pointing up in a clear 'A' handshape, not tucked in. This sign is highly directional, meaning you can move the entire hand setup toward yourself to mean 'my fault' or push it toward someone else to mean 'blame them.' Keep your facial expressions matching the context. For instance, if you are taking the fault, use an apologetic or sincere facial expression. If you are asking whose fault it is, remember to furrow your eyebrows.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is using an 'S' handshape (where the thumb wraps across the front of the fingers) instead of the correct 'A' handshape (where the thumb rests alongside the index finger). Another frequent error is forgetting to use the non-dominant base hand altogether, which is necessary to complete the sign properly. Finally, be careful not to slap the dominant hand down too aggressively unless you are intentionally trying to convey strong anger or forceful blame.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Fault" in a Sentence
1

I'm sorry, it is my fault.

Sign 'SORRY', then point to yourself for 'MY', and sign 'FAULT' by bringing the dominant hand slightly toward your chest as it rests on your base hand to show you are taking the blame.

2

It is not your fault.

Sign 'NOT', then point to the person for 'YOUR', and finish with the sign for 'FAULT', pushing the sign slightly forward to indicate the blame does not belong to them.

3

Whose fault is it?

Sign 'WHO' while keeping your eyebrows furrowed to indicate a 'Wh-' question, followed by the sign for 'FAULT'. Hold the furrowed eyebrows through the end of the sentence.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign for 'blame'?

Yes! The signs for 'fault' and 'blame' are the same. You can change the direction of the sign to show who is being blamed. Moving it toward someone means 'blame you,' while moving it toward yourself means 'my fault.'

What handshape is used for the dominant hand?

The dominant hand uses an 'A' handshape. Make sure your fingers are curled into a fist with your thumb resting against the side of your index finger, pointing slightly upward, rather than wrapped across your fingers.

Do I need to use both hands for this sign?

Yes, 'fault' is a two-handed sign. Your non-dominant hand acts as a flat base with the palm facing down, while your dominant hand performs the action of being placed on top of it.

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