How to Sign "Godmother"

To sign 'godmother', start with your dominant hand open, fingers together and pointing up, with your thumb extended. Begin with your hand raised near your forehead, palm facing sideways. Bring your hand down in a smooth motion to tap your thumb against your chin. This blends the downward movement of 'God' with the chin location for 'mother'.

Examples Using "Godmother" in a Sentence

1

My godmother gave me a gift.

Sign 'my', then 'godmother', followed by the sign for 'give' moving from yourself outward, and finally 'gift'.

2

She is the best godmother.

Point to the person to indicate 'she', sign 'best', and finish with the sign for 'godmother'.

3

I love my godmother.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'love' by crossing your arms over your chest, sign 'my', and then 'godmother'.

How to Sign "Godmother"
To sign 'godmother', start with your dominant hand open, fingers together and pointing up, with your thumb extended. Begin with your hand raised near your forehead, palm facing sideways. Bring your hand down in a smooth motion to tap your thumb against your chin. This blends the downward movement of 'God' with the chin location for 'mother'.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a compound that visually merges two concepts. The initial high position and downward movement are derived from the sign for 'God', referencing the heavens. The final placement on the chin uses the traditional ASL location for female family members, such as 'mother'.
Signing Tips
Focus on making the movement a single, fluid motion rather than two separate signs. The transition from the high starting position down to the chin should be smooth. Keep your fingers together and pointing straight up as your thumb makes contact with your chin.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake is tapping the forehead instead of the chin at the end of the sign, which accidentally changes the meaning to 'godfather'. Another mistake is stopping the hand in mid-air without the thumb actually touching the chin.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Godmother" in a Sentence
1

My godmother gave me a gift.

Sign 'my', then 'godmother', followed by the sign for 'give' moving from yourself outward, and finally 'gift'.

2

She is the best godmother.

Point to the person to indicate 'she', sign 'best', and finish with the sign for 'godmother'.

3

I love my godmother.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'love' by crossing your arms over your chest, sign 'my', and then 'godmother'.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'godmother' and 'godfather' in ASL?

The difference is the final location of the sign. 'Godmother' ends with the thumb tapping the chin, which is the feminine signing space. 'Godfather' ends with the thumb tapping the forehead, which is the masculine signing space.

Should I sign 'God' and 'mother' as two completely separate words?

No, 'godmother' is a compound sign. Instead of signing them as two distinct, separate words with a pause in between, you blend the high starting position of 'God' smoothly into the chin tap of 'mother' in one continuous motion.

Does it matter which hand I use to sign 'godmother'?

You should always use your dominant hand for this sign. If you are right-handed, use your right hand; if you are left-handed, use your left hand. Consistency with your dominant hand helps make your signing clear and natural.

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