Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Goat"

To sign “Goat”, Using your dominant hand into a fist with the knuckles of the index and middle fingers need to be higher than another knuckles. Placing your index and middle fingers on your chin which is look like a goat’s beard (or goatee). Then move up with open both index and middle fingers on your forehead which is similar to goat’s horns.

Examples Using "Goat" in a Sentence

1

I saw a goat at the petting zoo.

Sign 'goat' by touching your chin with your bent index and middle fingers, then moving up to your forehead while straightening them, before signing 'zoo'.

2

The goat is eating the grass.

First, establish the subject by signing 'goat' from your chin to your forehead, then sign 'eat' and 'grass' to complete the thought.

3

My favorite animal is a goat.

Sign 'my', 'favorite', 'animal', and finish with the sign for 'goat', making sure to clearly show the fluid beard-to-horns motion.

How to Sign "Goat"
To sign “Goat”, Using your dominant hand into a fist with the knuckles of the index and middle fingers need to be higher than another knuckles. Placing your index and middle fingers on your chin which is look like a goat’s beard (or goatee). Then move up with open both index and middle fingers on your forehead which is similar to goat’s horns.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'goat' is highly iconic, meaning it visually represents the physical characteristics of the animal. The first part of the sign at the chin mimics a goat's distinct beard, often called a goatee. The upward movement to the forehead, where the fingers straighten out, represents the goat's two horns. Together, these two features perfectly illustrate the animal.
Signing Tips
Focus on the visual story of the sign to help you remember it. Start by showing the goat's beard at your chin using your bent index and middle fingers. As you move your hand smoothly up to your forehead, straighten those two fingers to represent the goat's horns. Keep the movement fluid and use only your dominant hand.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using the wrong handshape, such as a full open hand or just the index finger. Make sure you are only using your index and middle fingers. Another frequent error is forgetting to change the handshape from bent at the chin to straight at the forehead, which is crucial for showing the transition from the beard to the horns.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Goat" in a Sentence
1

I saw a goat at the petting zoo.

Sign 'goat' by touching your chin with your bent index and middle fingers, then moving up to your forehead while straightening them, before signing 'zoo'.

2

The goat is eating the grass.

First, establish the subject by signing 'goat' from your chin to your forehead, then sign 'eat' and 'grass' to complete the thought.

3

My favorite animal is a goat.

Sign 'my', 'favorite', 'animal', and finish with the sign for 'goat', making sure to clearly show the fluid beard-to-horns motion.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use both hands to sign 'goat'?

No, 'goat' is a one-handed sign. You should only use your dominant hand to make the motion from your chin up to your forehead.

What handshape should I use at the beginning of the sign?

Start with your dominant hand in a fist, but keep the knuckles of your index and middle fingers slightly raised and bent when touching your chin.

Is the sign for 'goat' similar to 'sheep'?

They are very different! While 'goat' focuses on the beard and horns using your dominant hand on your face, 'sheep' is signed on your non-dominant forearm to represent shearing wool.

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