To sign "hello friend," the video demonstrates the core sign for "friend." Form both hands into "X" handshapes by curling your index fingers. Link your right index finger over your left index finger. Then, release them, flip their relative positions, and link your left index finger over your right index finger. When using this to greet someone, pair the sign with a warm, welcoming smile and a slight nod to naturally convey the "hello" aspect of the phrase.
To express this greeting, you can simply use the sign for 'friend' shown in the video while smiling warmly and making eye contact. The friendly facial expression naturally conveys the 'hello' portion of the greeting without needing a separate sign.
Sign 'new' and then use the interlocking index fingers to sign 'friend'. Ensure you link the fingers twice (once each way) to clearly articulate the word, showing the established connection.
Point to the person, sign 'good' from your chin, and then execute the 'friend' sign. The smooth, linked motion of your index fingers emphasizes the strong bond you share with them.
To express this greeting, you can simply use the sign for 'friend' shown in the video while smiling warmly and making eye contact. The friendly facial expression naturally conveys the 'hello' portion of the greeting without needing a separate sign.
Sign 'new' and then use the interlocking index fingers to sign 'friend'. Ensure you link the fingers twice (once each way) to clearly articulate the word, showing the established connection.
Point to the person, sign 'good' from your chin, and then execute the 'friend' sign. The smooth, linked motion of your index fingers emphasizes the strong bond you share with them.
While you certainly can sign 'hello' (a traditional salute from the forehead) before signing 'friend,' it is very common in casual ASL to simply sign 'friend' with a big smile and a nod. Your welcoming body language and facial expression naturally convey the entire 'hello friend' greeting.
No, it doesn't strictly matter. Most right-handed signers will naturally place their dominant right index finger on top first, then switch, while left-handed signers might do the reverse. Starting with either hand on top is perfectly fine and will be easily understood by any fluent signer.
Hooking the fingers into 'X' handshapes visually represents a strong, interlocking bond between two people. It shows that the two individuals are 'hooked' together in friendship. As mentioned, using straight fingers changes the meaning entirely, so the hooked shape is essential for clarity.
