How to Sign "La"
To sign LA, you will use your dominant hand to fingerspell the letters L and A. Start by forming an 'L' handshape: point your index finger straight up and extend your thumb out to the side, keeping your other fingers curled into your palm. Make sure your palm is facing outward. Then, quickly transition into an 'A' handshape by curling your index finger down into a fist and resting your thumb against the side of your hand. Keep your hand in one steady position throughout the sign.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a straightforward fingerspelling of the letters L and A, which serves as the universally recognized abbreviation for Los Angeles, and is also used for the state of Louisiana. In American Sign Language, when short words or abbreviations are used very frequently, they often become 'lexicalized.' This means that instead of looking like two distinct, separate letters, the fingerspelling blends together into a single, fluid sign that functions just like a standalone vocabulary word.
Signing Tips
When fingerspelling short, two-letter abbreviations like LA, it is important to keep your hand in one steady place rather than bouncing it up and down. The transition from the 'L' handshape to the 'A' handshape should be smooth, quick, and effortless, almost blending the two letters together into a single fluid motion. Make sure your palm remains facing outward toward the person you are signing to. Practicing this transition slowly at first will help you build the muscle memory needed for a crisp, natural-looking abbreviation.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make when signing abbreviations is bouncing their hand between the 'L' and the 'A', or sliding their hand horizontally as if writing on a chalkboard. This can make the sign harder to read and look less natural. Instead, keep your wrist and arm stable, allowing only your fingers to move. Another mistake is turning the palm inward; always ensure your palm faces outward so the letters are clearly visible to your conversation partner.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "La" in a Sentence
1I am traveling to LA next week.
To sign this, point to yourself for 'I', use the sign for 'travel', spell 'L-A', and finish with the sign for 'next week'. Make sure the transition between the L and A is smooth.
2Traffic in LA is always heavy.
Start by spelling 'L-A', then use the sign for 'traffic' (moving your hands back and forth), and emphasize the intensity with your facial expressions to show that the traffic is heavy or congested.
3My friend moved to LA.
Sign 'my', then 'friend'. Next, use the sign for 'move' (taking flat O-hands from one side to the other), and finally fingerspell 'L-A' to indicate their new destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this sign mean Los Angeles or Louisiana?
It can actually mean either one! In ASL, the fingerspelled abbreviation L-A is commonly used for both the city of Los Angeles and the state of Louisiana. You can almost always tell which location the signer is referring to based on the context of the conversation.
Should I move my hand when signing LA?
No, you should keep your hand steady in a comfortable position just in front of your dominant shoulder. Avoid bouncing, pushing, or sliding your hand horizontally. Just smoothly change the handshape from an L to an A in one fixed spot.
Do I need to mouth the letters while signing?
While it isn't strictly required, many fluent signers will naturally mouth 'L.A.' or the full name 'Los Angeles' while executing the sign. This provides extra clarity and context, especially since the sign can also mean Louisiana. Just keep your mouthing natural and relaxed.
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