How to Sign "Inherit"

Start with both hands open and reaching back over your dominant shoulder. Bring both hands forward and down in a smooth arc, closing them into fists ('S' handshapes) as they move. End with your hands in front of your torso, with your dominant fist resting on top of your non-dominant fist.

Examples Using "Inherit" in a Sentence

1

I will inherit my grandfather's watch.

Sign 'inherit' by reaching back over your shoulder and bringing the hands forward into stacked fists, then sign 'grandfather' and 'watch'.

2

She inherited her mother's blue eyes.

Use the sign for 'inherit' to show the passing down of traits, followed by 'mother', 'blue', and pointing to the eyes.

3

Did you inherit any money?

Sign 'inherit' followed by 'money', making sure to raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.

How to Sign "Inherit"
Start with both hands open and reaching back over your dominant shoulder. Bring both hands forward and down in a smooth arc, closing them into fists ('S' handshapes) as they move. End with your hands in front of your torso, with your dominant fist resting on top of your non-dominant fist.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly visual and conceptual. The space over and behind the shoulder represents the past, specifically your ancestors or those who came before you. Bringing the hands forward and closing them into fists symbolizes taking hold of a legacy or item from the past and bringing it into your present possession.
Signing Tips
Focus on the trajectory of the movement. Reaching back over your shoulder visually represents the past or your ancestors, while bringing your hands forward and down to your torso represents receiving something in the present. Make sure your hands close firmly into 'S' handshapes as they land, symbolizing taking possession of what is passed down.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is starting the sign in front of the body rather than reaching back over the shoulder. If you don't reach back, the sign loses its connection to the past and looks more like 'catch' or 'receive'. Also, ensure your dominant hand ends up on top when your fists stack.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Inherit" in a Sentence
1

I will inherit my grandfather's watch.

Sign 'inherit' by reaching back over your shoulder and bringing the hands forward into stacked fists, then sign 'grandfather' and 'watch'.

2

She inherited her mother's blue eyes.

Use the sign for 'inherit' to show the passing down of traits, followed by 'mother', 'blue', and pointing to the eyes.

3

Did you inherit any money?

Sign 'inherit' followed by 'money', making sure to raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign for inheriting physical traits, like hair color?

Yes, this sign is versatile and can be used for inheriting both physical property (like a house or money) and genetic traits (like eye color or height).

Is this sign related to the sign for 'receive'?

They are conceptually similar, as both involve taking possession of something. However, 'inherit' specifically includes the movement from over the shoulder to indicate receiving something from the past or from ancestors.

Does it matter which hand is on top at the end of the sign?

Yes, your dominant hand should be the one resting on top of your non-dominant hand when they close into fists at the end of the movement.

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