To sign *Hamilton*, form an 'H' handshape with your dominant hand by extending your index and middle fingers together while curling your other fingers. Bring your hand up to the side of your forehead or temple. With your palm facing somewhat downward or inward and the extended fingers pointing across your forehead, tap the side of your index finger against your temple.
To sign this, point to yourself for 'I', sign 'LIVE' by bringing both 'A' handshapes up your chest, and finish with the sign for 'Hamilton' by tapping the 'H' handshape at your temple. This clearly establishes your city of residence.
Start by signing 'WE' by moving your index finger from your dominant shoulder to your non-dominant shoulder. Then sign 'GO' and 'SEE', followed by the 'H' handshape at the temple for 'Hamilton', and finish with the sign for 'MUSICAL'.
Begin with the sign for 'Hamilton' using the 'H' handshape at your temple. Next, sign 'CITY' by tapping your fingertips together in a roof shape a few times, and then sign 'LARGE' by moving both 'L' handshapes outward to show size.
To sign this, point to yourself for 'I', sign 'LIVE' by bringing both 'A' handshapes up your chest, and finish with the sign for 'Hamilton' by tapping the 'H' handshape at your temple. This clearly establishes your city of residence.
Start by signing 'WE' by moving your index finger from your dominant shoulder to your non-dominant shoulder. Then sign 'GO' and 'SEE', followed by the 'H' handshape at the temple for 'Hamilton', and finish with the sign for 'MUSICAL'.
Begin with the sign for 'Hamilton' using the 'H' handshape at your temple. Next, sign 'CITY' by tapping your fingertips together in a roof shape a few times, and then sign 'LARGE' by moving both 'L' handshapes outward to show size.
Yes, initialized signs like this one are frequently used for proper nouns in ASL. The context of your sentence will usually make it perfectly clear to the person you are signing with whether you are referring to the city of Hamilton in Ontario or the famous historical figure and musical.
Your palm should typically face downward or slightly inward toward your face. This orientation allows the side of your index finger to comfortably rest against or tap your temple. Keeping your wrist relaxed will naturally guide your hand into the correct and most comfortable position for this sign.
For most proper nouns and names in ASL, tapping twice is the standard practice to establish clarity and emphasize that it is a noun. However, in fast or highly fluent conversation, you might see signers use a single, deliberate tap instead. As a beginner, stick to a clear double tap.
