To sign 'highway', form both hands into an 'H' handshape by extending your index and middle fingers together while tucking your thumb over your curled ring and pinky fingers. Hold your hands in front of your chest with the palms facing each other and your extended fingers pointing straight forward. Move your hands forward and backward in alternating, parallel motions, as if showing two lanes of traffic moving smoothly in opposite directions.
To sign this, start with the sign for 'highway'. Then, use the sign for 'closed' by bringing two flat hands together in front of you, like shutting a pair of double doors. Finish with the sign for 'today'.
Begin by signing 'we', then use a steering wheel motion for 'drive'. Next, sign 'highway'. To show that it took hours, use the sign for 'hours' while incorporating a facial expression that conveys a long duration, like slightly puffing your cheeks.
Sign 'highway', then point to yourself for 'I', and use the sign for 'drive' or 'go'. Finish with the sign for 'which' by alternating 'A' hands up and down. Remember to furrow your eyebrows at the end to indicate a 'wh-' question.
To sign this, start with the sign for 'highway'. Then, use the sign for 'closed' by bringing two flat hands together in front of you, like shutting a pair of double doors. Finish with the sign for 'today'.
Begin by signing 'we', then use a steering wheel motion for 'drive'. Next, sign 'highway'. To show that it took hours, use the sign for 'hours' while incorporating a facial expression that conveys a long duration, like slightly puffing your cheeks.
Sign 'highway', then point to yourself for 'I', and use the sign for 'drive' or 'go'. Finish with the sign for 'which' by alternating 'A' hands up and down. Remember to furrow your eyebrows at the end to indicate a 'wh-' question.
The main difference lies in the handshape and movement. 'Road' or 'street' is signed using flat, open hands with palms facing each other, moving forward simultaneously. 'Highway' uses 'H' handshapes and features an alternating forward and backward motion to show lanes of traffic.
Yes, this sign is widely understood and commonly used for both 'highway' and 'freeway'. The concept of a large, multi-lane road is the same. However, you may occasionally see some signers initialize 'freeway' with 'F' handshapes using the exact same alternating movement.
Yes, the speed of your signing can add meaning! A normal, smooth pace is standard. However, if you are describing a highway with cars zooming by at high speeds, you can move your hands faster to visually convey that fast-paced environment to your conversation partner.
