Start by holding up your non-dominant index finger pointing straight up, like a flagpole. Form an 'H' shape with your dominant hand by extending your index and middle fingers together. Rest the fingers of your 'H' hand on the tip of your non-dominant index finger. Finally, wiggle or wave your dominant fingers back and forth a couple of times, just like a flag waving in the breeze.
Sign 'we', 'stay', 'nice', and then 'hotel' by resting your dominant 'H' hand on your upright non-dominant index finger and waving it gently.
Sign 'hotel', then sign 'where' by waving your dominant index finger side to side while furrowing your eyebrows to show it is a WH-question.
Sign 'I', 'need', 'hotel', and 'room'. When signing 'hotel', remember to keep your non-dominant index finger completely steady while the 'H' hand flutters.
Sign 'we', 'stay', 'nice', and then 'hotel' by resting your dominant 'H' hand on your upright non-dominant index finger and waving it gently.
Sign 'hotel', then sign 'where' by waving your dominant index finger side to side while furrowing your eyebrows to show it is a WH-question.
Sign 'I', 'need', 'hotel', and 'room'. When signing 'hotel', remember to keep your non-dominant index finger completely steady while the 'H' hand flutters.
The 'H' handshape is an example of initialization, where the first letter of the English word is used in the sign. It helps distinguish 'hotel' from other similar signs that might use different letters on the same 'flagpole' base.
Yes, your non-dominant index finger should point straight up to clearly represent a flagpole. Keeping it vertical and steady provides a clear base for your dominant hand to rest on and wave.
A couple of gentle waves or flutters back and forth is perfect. There is no strict number, but two or three quick movements naturally convey the idea of a flag blowing in the wind without dragging out the sign.
