To sign 'grave,' start with both hands in front of you, palms facing down, with your fingers bent at the knuckles so they point toward the ground. Pull both hands back toward your body while simultaneously flattening them out, ending with your palms facing down and fingers pointing forward. This motion visually traces the shape of a rectangular dirt mound over a burial site.
Sign 'grandfather,' then use the sign for 'grave' to indicate the specific burial location. You can point to a spot in your signing space to establish where the grave is located.
To express 'cemetery,' you will often sign 'grave' followed by the sign for 'area.' To show 'many graves,' you can sign 'grave' multiple times while shifting your hands slightly to the side.
First sign 'flower,' then sign 'grave.' Afterward, you can use a flat handshape to physically mimic the action of gently setting the flowers down onto the mound you just outlined.
Sign 'grandfather,' then use the sign for 'grave' to indicate the specific burial location. You can point to a spot in your signing space to establish where the grave is located.
To express 'cemetery,' you will often sign 'grave' followed by the sign for 'area.' To show 'many graves,' you can sign 'grave' multiple times while shifting your hands slightly to the side.
First sign 'flower,' then sign 'grave.' Afterward, you can use a flat handshape to physically mimic the action of gently setting the flowers down onto the mound you just outlined.
No, this sign is strictly used for a physical burial place. If you want to describe a situation as 'grave,' 'serious,' or 'severe,' you should use the ASL sign for 'serious,' which is signed by placing a twisted index finger on the chin.
The concept of a 'cemetery' or 'graveyard' is typically signed by combining the sign for 'grave' with the sign for 'area.' You sign 'grave,' then move your open hands in a horizontal circle to indicate a location filled with graves.
You only need to pull your hands back a few inches—just enough to clearly outline the shape of the mound. Keep the movement comfortable and contained within your normal signing space in front of your torso.
