How to Sign "Gorilla"
To sign 'gorilla', form both hands into loose fists or slightly curved hands. Bring them up to your chest with your palms facing inward. Alternately tap or beat your chest a few times, mimicking a gorilla beating its chest.
Examples Using "Gorilla" in a Sentence
1
The gorilla at the zoo is very big.
Sign 'gorilla' by alternating your loose fists against your chest, then point to an imaginary location for the zoo. Finally, use the sign for 'big' by moving your hands apart to describe the impressive size of the animal.
2
My favorite animal is the gorilla.
Start by signing 'my' with a flat hand to your chest, followed by 'favorite' and 'animal'. Finish the sentence with the iconic chest-beating motion for 'gorilla'. Make sure to pause slightly before 'gorilla' to emphasize it as the topic.
3
Look at that baby gorilla!
Get the person's attention and use the sign for 'look'. Next, sign 'baby' by mimicking cradling an infant in your arms, and finally sign 'gorilla' by gently tapping your chest with alternating loose fists.
How to Sign "Gorilla"
To sign 'gorilla', form both hands into loose fists or slightly curved hands. Bring them up to your chest with your palms facing inward. Alternately tap or beat your chest a few times, mimicking a gorilla beating its chest.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This is a highly iconic sign that directly mimics the well-known behavior of a silverback gorilla beating its chest to show dominance or communicate with its troop. The alternating fists against the chest visually represent the animal's signature action. Because the visual connection between the animal and the sign is so strong, it is very easy for beginners to remember.
Signing Tips
Keep your facial expression engaged and your movements slightly exaggerated to capture the essence of the animal. You don't need to hit your chest hard; a light, alternating tap with loose fists is perfect. Make sure your hands bounce off your chest naturally rather than resting on it. Relax your shoulders to make the movement look natural and fluid, just like the animal.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is hitting the chest too aggressively or using flat, open palms instead of the correct loose fists. Another frequent error is tapping both hands against the chest at the exact same time rather than using an alternating, rhythmic motion. Beginners also sometimes make the movement too small; ensure your hands are clearly visible tapping the upper chest area.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Gorilla" in a Sentence
1The gorilla at the zoo is very big.
Sign 'gorilla' by alternating your loose fists against your chest, then point to an imaginary location for the zoo. Finally, use the sign for 'big' by moving your hands apart to describe the impressive size of the animal.
2My favorite animal is the gorilla.
Start by signing 'my' with a flat hand to your chest, followed by 'favorite' and 'animal'. Finish the sentence with the iconic chest-beating motion for 'gorilla'. Make sure to pause slightly before 'gorilla' to emphasize it as the topic.
3Look at that baby gorilla!
Get the person's attention and use the sign for 'look'. Next, sign 'baby' by mimicking cradling an infant in your arms, and finally sign 'gorilla' by gently tapping your chest with alternating loose fists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to hit my chest hard?
No, you should never hurt yourself or use excessive force while signing! A light, gentle tap against your chest with your loose fists is all that is needed to convey the meaning clearly. The motion should be comfortable and easy to repeat.
Is this sign the same as the sign for 'monkey'?
No, they are distinct signs. 'Gorilla' involves beating your chest with alternating loose fists to mimic a large ape. In contrast, 'monkey' is signed by bringing both hands to your sides and scratching upward near your armpits, mimicking a smaller primate.
Does it matter which hand hits the chest first?
Not at all. You can start the tapping motion with either your dominant or non-dominant hand. The most important part of the sign is the alternating, rhythmic motion of the loose fists on your chest, regardless of which hand makes contact first.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!