How to Sign "Ignorance"

To sign *ignorance*, start by forming 'F' handshapes with both hands (touching the tips of your index fingers and thumbs together while extending the other three fingers). Bring both hands up to the sides of your eyes, with your palms facing forward. Move both hands forward simultaneously. This sign visually represents having 'tunnel vision' or wearing blinders, illustrating a lack of broader knowledge or awareness.

Examples Using "Ignorance" in a Sentence

1

His ignorance about the topic was surprising.

Sign 'His', then use the 'F' handshapes near the eyes moving forward for 'ignorance', followed by 'topic' and 'surprising'.

2

We need to overcome our ignorance.

Sign 'We', 'need', 'overcome', and then sign 'ignorance' by placing both 'F' hands at the sides of your eyes and moving them forward.

3

Ignorance can lead to misunderstandings.

Start with the sign for 'ignorance' using the 'F' handshapes at your eyes, then sign 'can', 'lead-to', and 'misunderstand'.

How to Sign "Ignorance"
To sign *ignorance*, start by forming 'F' handshapes with both hands (touching the tips of your index fingers and thumbs together while extending the other three fingers). Bring both hands up to the sides of your eyes, with your palms facing forward. Move both hands forward simultaneously. This sign visually represents having 'tunnel vision' or wearing blinders, illustrating a lack of broader knowledge or awareness.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic, visually representing 'tunnel vision' or wearing blinders. By placing the 'F' handshapes at the sides of the eyes, it shows a restricted field of view, symbolizing a narrow-minded perspective or a lack of broader knowledge.
Signing Tips
Keep your non-dominant and dominant hands symmetrical. The 'F' handshapes should be held close to the sides of your eyes before moving forward, clearly mimicking the concept of looking through a narrow tube or wearing blinders.
Common Mistakes
Using 'O' handshapes instead of 'F' handshapes. Make sure your middle, ring, and pinky fingers are extended and spread apart, rather than curled into a closed circle. Also, ensure the hands start at the eyes, not down by the chest.
Regional Variations
Another very common sign for 'ignorant' uses a 'V' handshape (with the palm facing inward) tapping against the forehead. The 'F' handshape version shown here specifically emphasizes the 'tunnel vision' or 'narrow-minded' aspect of ignorance.
Examples Using "Ignorance" in a Sentence
1

His ignorance about the topic was surprising.

Sign 'His', then use the 'F' handshapes near the eyes moving forward for 'ignorance', followed by 'topic' and 'surprising'.

2

We need to overcome our ignorance.

Sign 'We', 'need', 'overcome', and then sign 'ignorance' by placing both 'F' hands at the sides of your eyes and moving them forward.

3

Ignorance can lead to misunderstandings.

Start with the sign for 'ignorance' using the 'F' handshapes at your eyes, then sign 'can', 'lead-to', and 'misunderstand'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is there another way to sign 'ignorance'?

Yes! A very common alternative sign for 'ignorant' or 'ignorance' uses a 'V' handshape. You simply tap the back of your 'V' hand against your forehead. The version with two 'F' hands emphasizes 'tunnel vision' or being narrow-minded.

Can this sign be used to mean 'narrow-minded'?

Yes. Because the sign visually depicts wearing blinders or having tunnel vision, it is often used to describe someone who is narrow-minded or oblivious to the broader picture.

Why use the 'F' handshape for this sign?

The 'F' handshape creates a small circle with the thumb and index finger. When placed near the eyes, it perfectly mimics the idea of looking through a tiny hole or tube, representing a limited perspective.

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