Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "London"

To sign London, start by forming an 'L' handshape with your dominant hand. Position your hand near the side of your head, right by your ear. Make sure your index finger is pointing backward toward the back of your head, and your thumb is pointing straight down. Once your hand is in the correct position, gently shake or pivot your hand back and forth a couple of times. Keep the movement small and relaxed.

Examples Using "London" in a Sentence

1

I want to visit London.

To express this, sign 'I', 'want', 'visit', and then sign 'London' by placing the 'L' handshape near your ear and giving it a gentle shake. Keep your facial expressions enthusiastic to match the excitement of wanting to travel to a new place.

2

London is a very old city.

Start by signing 'London', followed by 'old', and 'city'. Remember to keep the index finger pointing backward and the thumb pointing down for London. When signing 'old', you can emphasize the downward movement from your chin to show just how historic and ancient the city truly is.

3

My friend lives in London.

Sign 'My', 'friend', 'lives', and finish with 'London'. Make sure the 'L' handshape is positioned clearly on the side of your head. This is a great sentence to practice transitioning smoothly from signs in front of your body to a sign located on your head.

How to Sign "London"
To sign London, start by forming an 'L' handshape with your dominant hand. Position your hand near the side of your head, right by your ear. Make sure your index finger is pointing backward toward the back of your head, and your thumb is pointing straight down. Once your hand is in the correct position, gently shake or pivot your hand back and forth a couple of times. Keep the movement small and relaxed.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for London is a classic example of an initialized sign in ASL, meaning it incorporates the 'L' handshape to represent the first letter of the city's name. The specific placement of the sign near the ear is widely believed to be an iconic reference to hearing the famous chimes of Big Ben, one of London's most recognizable and historic landmarks. This blend of the English alphabet and a visual or auditory cultural reference is a common way ASL creates signs for major international cities.
Signing Tips
When signing London, keep your wrist relaxed to allow for a natural, gentle shaking motion. Ensure your 'L' handshape is clearly defined, with the index finger pointing straight back and the thumb pointing down. Keep the movement small and contained near the side of your head, right by your ear, rather than making large, exaggerated motions. Practicing in front of a mirror can help you confirm that your hand is positioned correctly on the side of your head and not drifting forward onto your face.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is pointing the index finger upward instead of backward. This can make the sign look like a completely different word or just a random letter placed on the head. Another frequent error is placing the hand too far forward on the cheek, jawline, or forehead instead of keeping it properly aligned near the ear. Make sure your thumb is pointing down and your index finger is pointing toward the back of your head to keep the sign accurate and easily understood.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "London" in a Sentence
1

I want to visit London.

To express this, sign 'I', 'want', 'visit', and then sign 'London' by placing the 'L' handshape near your ear and giving it a gentle shake. Keep your facial expressions enthusiastic to match the excitement of wanting to travel to a new place.

2

London is a very old city.

Start by signing 'London', followed by 'old', and 'city'. Remember to keep the index finger pointing backward and the thumb pointing down for London. When signing 'old', you can emphasize the downward movement from your chin to show just how historic and ancient the city truly is.

3

My friend lives in London.

Sign 'My', 'friend', 'lives', and finish with 'London'. Make sure the 'L' handshape is positioned clearly on the side of your head. This is a great sentence to practice transitioning smoothly from signs in front of your body to a sign located on your head.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for London the same in British Sign Language (BSL)?

No, British Sign Language (BSL) has its own completely different sign for London. The sign demonstrated here is the American Sign Language (ASL) version, which is used primarily in North America to refer to the English city. BSL and ASL are distinct languages with different vocabularies.

Should I use my right or left hand to sign London?

You should always use your dominant hand for this sign. If you are right-handed, form the 'L' shape with your right hand and place it near your right ear. If you are left-handed, use your left hand near your left ear. Consistency with your dominant hand is key.

How big should the shaking movement be when signing London?

The movement should be quite small and subtle. A gentle, quick pivot or shake of the wrist a couple of times is all you need. Avoid large, sweeping motions, as they can make your signing look unnatural and might confuse the person you are communicating with.

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