Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Im Learning Sign Language"

To sign "I'm learning sign language," you will combine the signs for LEARN and SIGN. First, hold your non-dominant hand flat in front of you, palm facing up. Use your dominant hand to "grab" information from the palm and bring it up to your forehead, closing your fingers into a flattened "O" shape. Then, to sign SIGN, extend both index fingers and circle them backwards towards your body in an alternating motion.

Examples Using "Im Learning Sign Language" in a Sentence

1

Hi, I'm learning sign language.

You can use this exact sequence when introducing yourself to a Deaf person. It is a great icebreaker that lets them know you are a beginner and sets expectations for the conversation.

2

Please sign slowly, I'm learning sign language.

Sign 'PLEASE' and 'SLOW' first, then follow up with this phrase. It is a polite way to ask for their patience and understanding as you practice your new skills.

3

I'm learning sign language with my friend.

Sign this phrase, then add the signs for 'WITH' and 'FRIEND'. This is a great way to explain your learning journey and share who your study partner is.

How to Sign "Im Learning Sign Language"
To sign "I'm learning sign language," you will combine the signs for LEARN and SIGN. First, hold your non-dominant hand flat in front of you, palm facing up. Use your dominant hand to "grab" information from the palm and bring it up to your forehead, closing your fingers into a flattened "O" shape. Then, to sign SIGN, extend both index fingers and circle them backwards towards your body in an alternating motion.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This phrase combines two highly iconic signs. The sign for LEARN visually represents taking information from a page—represented by your flat non-dominant hand—and physically putting it into your head or brain. The sign for SIGN mimics the dynamic, continuous movement of hands communicating, visually representing the exchange of ideas in the air.
Signing Tips
When signing LEARN, imagine you are physically picking up knowledge from a book (your non-dominant hand) and placing it into your brain. This visualization helps you remember the motion perfectly. For SIGN, keep the circular motion smooth and relaxed, pivoting mainly from your elbows and wrists rather than your whole arm. Remember, you don't need to sign 'I' or 'LANGUAGE' separately here, as the context is clearly understood in conversational ASL!
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is signing SIGN with the fingers moving forward instead of backward towards the body. Make sure the circular motion rolls backwards, like a bicycle pedaling in reverse. Another frequent error is forgetting to bring the dominant hand all the way up to the forehead for LEARN, which can make the sign look sloppy or look like a different word entirely.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Im Learning Sign Language" in a Sentence
1

Hi, I'm learning sign language.

You can use this exact sequence when introducing yourself to a Deaf person. It is a great icebreaker that lets them know you are a beginner and sets expectations for the conversation.

2

Please sign slowly, I'm learning sign language.

Sign 'PLEASE' and 'SLOW' first, then follow up with this phrase. It is a polite way to ask for their patience and understanding as you practice your new skills.

3

I'm learning sign language with my friend.

Sign this phrase, then add the signs for 'WITH' and 'FRIEND'. This is a great way to explain your learning journey and share who your study partner is.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sign 'I' and 'LANGUAGE' too?

In conversational ASL, it is very common to drop the signs for 'I' and 'LANGUAGE' in this specific context. Simply signing 'LEARN SIGN' perfectly and naturally conveys the full meaning of 'I am learning sign language' without needing the extra English words.

Does it matter which hand is the 'book' for the sign LEARN?

Yes, hand dominance is important here! Your non-dominant hand should act as the stationary flat 'book' or 'paper.' Your dominant hand does the active movement, grabbing the information and bringing it up to your forehead to complete the sign.

How many times should I circle my fingers for SIGN?

Typically, two or three smooth, alternating backward circles are enough to clearly communicate the word. You do not need to overdo it; a relaxed, continuous motion gets the point across perfectly in everyday conversation.

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