Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "I Am Learning"

Start by pointing to your chest to signify 'I'. Next, hold your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing up, representing a book or page. Place the fingertips of your dominant hand on your non-dominant palm. Then, pull your dominant hand upward toward your forehead while bringing your fingers and thumb together into a flattened 'O' shape. This motion visually represents picking up knowledge from a page and placing it into your brain.

Examples Using "I Am Learning" in a Sentence

1

I am learning ASL.

To sign this, point to yourself for 'I', sign 'LEARN' by bringing information from your palm to your forehead, and then fingerspell A-S-L. It's a perfect phrase to introduce yourself to the Deaf community!

2

Please be patient, I am learning.

Start with the sign for 'PLEASE' (rubbing your chest in a circle), then 'PATIENT' (bringing your thumb down your chin), followed by 'I' and 'LEARN'. This is very helpful when practicing with fluent signers.

3

I am learning how to cook.

Sign 'I' and 'LEARN', then follow it with the sign for 'COOK' by flipping your dominant flat hand over your non-dominant flat hand, as if you are flipping a pancake in a pan.

How to Sign "I Am Learning"
Start by pointing to your chest to signify 'I'. Next, hold your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing up, representing a book or page. Place the fingertips of your dominant hand on your non-dominant palm. Then, pull your dominant hand upward toward your forehead while bringing your fingers and thumb together into a flattened 'O' shape. This motion visually represents picking up knowledge from a page and placing it into your brain.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This phrase is a great example of ASL's visual logic. The sign for 'I' is a natural, universal gesture of pointing to oneself. The sign for 'LEARN' is highly iconic: your flat non-dominant hand represents a book, piece of paper, or source of knowledge. Your dominant hand mimics the action of physically grabbing that information and placing it directly into your mind. Together, they create a clear, literal picture of acquiring new knowledge.
Signing Tips
When signing 'I am learning,' focus on the fluid transition between the two concepts. Make sure the motion for 'LEARN' is deliberate and clearly travels from your non-dominant hand up to your forehead. Keep your non-dominant hand steady and flat, as it acts as the foundation or 'book' for the sign. Remember to maintain a positive, engaged facial expression to show your enthusiasm for learning!
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is pulling the dominant hand backward over the shoulder or straight up into the air instead of directing it toward the forehead. If the hand doesn't move toward the head, the meaning of absorbing knowledge is lost. Another common error is forgetting to close the fingers and thumb together as the hand moves upward, which misses the visual metaphor of 'grasping' the information.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "I Am Learning" in a Sentence
1

I am learning ASL.

To sign this, point to yourself for 'I', sign 'LEARN' by bringing information from your palm to your forehead, and then fingerspell A-S-L. It's a perfect phrase to introduce yourself to the Deaf community!

2

Please be patient, I am learning.

Start with the sign for 'PLEASE' (rubbing your chest in a circle), then 'PATIENT' (bringing your thumb down your chin), followed by 'I' and 'LEARN'. This is very helpful when practicing with fluent signers.

3

I am learning how to cook.

Sign 'I' and 'LEARN', then follow it with the sign for 'COOK' by flipping your dominant flat hand over your non-dominant flat hand, as if you are flipping a pancake in a pan.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sign the word 'am'?

No, you don't! ASL has its own distinct grammar and typically omits 'to be' verbs like 'am,' 'is,' or 'are.' Simply signing 'I' followed by 'LEARN' perfectly translates to 'I am learning' in English.

Does my hand need to physically touch my forehead?

It doesn't have to make firm physical contact. Bringing your fingertips very close to your forehead or temple is completely fine. The most important part is the upward trajectory showing information entering your mind.

Which hand should I use to grab the information?

Always use your dominant hand to do the moving and 'grabbing' action. Your non-dominant hand should stay still and act as the flat base, representing the book or page you are learning from.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!