How to Sign "Follow Me"

Form 'A' handshapes with both hands, keeping your thumbs pointing straight up. Place your dominant hand slightly behind your non-dominant hand. 'Follow' is a directional verb in ASL, meaning the movement shows who is following whom. While the base sign shown in the video moves forward, to specifically sign 'follow me,' you pull both hands together inward toward your chest, indicating that the other person should come toward you.

Examples Using "Follow Me" in a Sentence

1

Please follow me to the classroom.

Start by signing 'please' with a flat hand on your chest. Then, use the inward 'follow me' motion, pulling your hands toward your body. Finish by signing 'classroom' to complete the instruction.

2

Follow me, I know the way.

Begin with the 'follow me' sign, ensuring the movement comes toward your chest. Then, point to yourself for 'I' and sign 'know' by tapping your fingers to your temple, showing confidence in your direction.

3

Are you going to follow me?

Point to the person you are asking, then sign 'follow me' by drawing your hands inward. Make sure to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly, which is the ASL grammar marker for a yes/no question.

How to Sign "Follow Me"
Form 'A' handshapes with both hands, keeping your thumbs pointing straight up. Place your dominant hand slightly behind your non-dominant hand. 'Follow' is a directional verb in ASL, meaning the movement shows who is following whom. While the base sign shown in the video moves forward, to specifically sign 'follow me,' you pull both hands together inward toward your chest, indicating that the other person should come toward you.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly visual and iconic. It uses two 'A' handshapes with extended thumbs to represent two distinct individuals. One hand is positioned slightly behind the other, perfectly mimicking the visual of one person physically trailing behind another. As the hands move together through space, it creates a clear picture of two people traveling in the same direction, with one leading and the other following.
Signing Tips
When signing 'follow me,' the most important aspect to remember is that it is a directional verb. The movement dictates the meaning of the sentence. To clearly communicate that someone should follow you, the movement must come toward your body. Keep your thumbs clearly pointing up and maintain the exact same distance between your two hands throughout the entire motion. Your facial expressions and body language can also help convey whether it is a gentle request or an urgent command.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake for beginners is moving the hands forward instead of pulling them backward when trying to say 'follow me.' Moving your hands forward actually changes the meaning to 'I am following you' or 'follow them.' Always remember to pull the hands toward your own body to indicate that you are the leader. Additionally, be careful not to let your thumbs drop; they should remain pointing straight up the entire time.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Follow Me" in a Sentence
1

Please follow me to the classroom.

Start by signing 'please' with a flat hand on your chest. Then, use the inward 'follow me' motion, pulling your hands toward your body. Finish by signing 'classroom' to complete the instruction.

2

Follow me, I know the way.

Begin with the 'follow me' sign, ensuring the movement comes toward your chest. Then, point to yourself for 'I' and sign 'know' by tapping your fingers to your temple, showing confidence in your direction.

3

Are you going to follow me?

Point to the person you are asking, then sign 'follow me' by drawing your hands inward. Make sure to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly, which is the ASL grammar marker for a yes/no question.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the movement change direction for this sign?

'Follow' is what ASL calls a directional verb. This means the direction of the sign's movement shows who is doing the action and to whom. Pulling the sign toward your body means 'follow me,' while pushing it away means 'I follow you.'

Do I need to use both hands for this sign?

Yes, 'follow' is a two-handed sign. The two hands are important because they represent two separate entities—the leader and the follower. Moving them together shows the relationship between the two people as they travel.

Does it matter which hand is in front?

Typically, your non-dominant hand is placed in front, and your dominant hand trails slightly behind it. However, the most crucial part for 'follow me' is that both hands maintain their relative distance and move together toward your body.

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