To sign this phrase, you will combine two signs: 'I' and 'deaf'. First, point your index finger at the center of your chest to sign 'I'. Next, to sign 'deaf', keep your dominant hand in a '1' handshape (index finger extended). Touch the tip of your index finger to your cheek near your ear, then move it in a small arch to touch your cheek near your mouth.
Start with a friendly wave or the standard sign for 'HELLO', then point to your chest for 'I', and finish with the 'DEAF' sign from your ear to your mouth.
Sign 'I DEAF', then sign 'PLEASE', and finish by mimicking typing on a phone to sign 'TEXT', directing the movement toward yourself.
Sign 'I DEAF', then use the sign for 'SIGN' (rotating index fingers backwards), and finally fingerspell the letters A-S-L.
Start with a friendly wave or the standard sign for 'HELLO', then point to your chest for 'I', and finish with the 'DEAF' sign from your ear to your mouth.
Sign 'I DEAF', then sign 'PLEASE', and finish by mimicking typing on a phone to sign 'TEXT', directing the movement toward yourself.
Sign 'I DEAF', then use the sign for 'SIGN' (rotating index fingers backwards), and finally fingerspell the letters A-S-L.
American Sign Language has its own distinct grammar and syntax that differs from English. ASL does not use 'to be' verbs (like am, is, are, was, were). Therefore, the concept is perfectly conveyed by simply signing 'I' and 'DEAF'.
You should use your dominant hand for both signs. Point to your chest with your dominant index finger, and then use that same dominant index finger to touch your cheek near your ear and mouth.
Yes! While moving from the ear to the mouth is the standard way taught to beginners, moving from the mouth to the ear is a very common and perfectly acceptable variation used by many native signers.
