How to Sign "Journal"

To sign *journal*, hold your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the fingers pointing up and the palm facing your dominant side, representing a page or book. Form your dominant hand into a 'G' handshape, with the index finger and thumb extended. Slide the thumb and index finger of your dominant hand down the palm of your non-dominant hand from top to bottom. This motion represents the thin spine or binding of a journal or magazine.

Examples Using "Journal" in a Sentence

1

I read an interesting article in a science journal.

To express this sentence in ASL, you would establish the topic first. Sign 'science' and then 'journal' by sliding your dominant 'G' handshape down your open non-dominant palm. Follow this by signing 'article' and 'read' to explain what you did, using facial expressions to show that it was interesting.

2

She bought a new journal for her writing.

Begin by establishing the subject, 'she'. Then, use the sign for 'journal' to represent the physical notebook you are talking about. Follow this with the signs for 'new' and 'buy'. You can finish the sentence by signing 'for' and 'write' to clearly explain the specific purpose of the journal.

3

The library has many academic journals.

Start by signing 'library' to establish the location. Then, sign 'many' to indicate the quantity. Finally, use the sign for 'journal' to refer to the publications. In this context, the sign for 'journal' perfectly captures the idea of academic magazines or periodicals that you would typically find in a library.

How to Sign "Journal"
To sign *journal*, hold your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the fingers pointing up and the palm facing your dominant side, representing a page or book. Form your dominant hand into a 'G' handshape, with the index finger and thumb extended. Slide the thumb and index finger of your dominant hand down the palm of your non-dominant hand from top to bottom. This motion represents the thin spine or binding of a journal or magazine.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and relies on the visual representation of a physical object. The flat non-dominant hand acts as a classifier representing the pages or the flat body of a publication. Meanwhile, the dominant 'G' handshape sliding down the palm visually traces the thin spine or binding of a softcover book, magazine, or journal. The use of the 'G' handshape specifically conveys the concept of thinness, distinguishing a journal or magazine from a thicker, hardcover book.
Signing Tips
When signing *journal*, make sure your non-dominant hand stays flat and completely still, acting as a clear base for the sign. The 'G' handshape on your dominant hand should lightly touch the palm as it slides down from top to bottom. This movement emphasizes the idea of a thin spine or binding. Keep your movements smooth and deliberate. Keep in mind that this exact same sign is also commonly used for words like *magazine*, *brochure*, *catalog*, or *booklet*, so context will help clarify your meaning.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is using a full 'A' handshape (a closed fist) or an open flat hand instead of the specific 'G' handshape. It is important to make sure your index finger and thumb are extended and parallel, as this specifically represents the thinness of the publication's spine. Additionally, avoid moving both hands during the sign. Your non-dominant hand must remain stationary like a sturdy book, while only your dominant hand performs the downward sliding motion.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Journal" in a Sentence
1

I read an interesting article in a science journal.

To express this sentence in ASL, you would establish the topic first. Sign 'science' and then 'journal' by sliding your dominant 'G' handshape down your open non-dominant palm. Follow this by signing 'article' and 'read' to explain what you did, using facial expressions to show that it was interesting.

2

She bought a new journal for her writing.

Begin by establishing the subject, 'she'. Then, use the sign for 'journal' to represent the physical notebook you are talking about. Follow this with the signs for 'new' and 'buy'. You can finish the sentence by signing 'for' and 'write' to clearly explain the specific purpose of the journal.

3

The library has many academic journals.

Start by signing 'library' to establish the location. Then, sign 'many' to indicate the quantity. Finally, use the sign for 'journal' to refer to the publications. In this context, the sign for 'journal' perfectly captures the idea of academic magazines or periodicals that you would typically find in a library.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign for a personal diary?

While this sign can be used for a softcover notebook or journal, a personal diary is often signed differently to distinguish it from a publication. You will frequently see it signed by combining the signs for *daily* (brushing an 'A' handshape down the cheek) and *book* (opening two flat hands).

Is this the same sign as *magazine*?

Yes, it is exactly the same sign! In ASL, this specific sign is used as a general term for several types of thin, bound publications. This includes magazines, brochures, catalogs, and journals. The exact meaning is usually made clear by the context of your sentence or the surrounding conversation.

Does it matter which hand I use as the base?

Yes, hand dominance is very important in ASL. You should always use your non-dominant hand as the stationary base, representing the pages of the journal. Your dominant hand should be the one forming the 'G' handshape and performing the downward sliding motion to represent the spine of the publication.

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