To sign 'mam' (often used for 'mom' or 'mother'), start with your dominant hand in an open '5' handshape with your fingers spread apart. Bring your hand up to your face and tap the tip of your thumb against your chin twice. Your palm should be facing sideways.
Sign 'my', then sign 'mam' by tapping your thumb on your chin, and finish with the sign for 'best'.
Sign 'I', 'need', 'call', 'my', and then 'mam' using the open '5' handshape on your chin.
Sign 'your', 'mam', and 'home', while raising your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.
Sign 'my', then sign 'mam' by tapping your thumb on your chin, and finish with the sign for 'best'.
Sign 'I', 'need', 'call', 'my', and then 'mam' using the open '5' handshape on your chin.
Sign 'your', 'mam', and 'home', while raising your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.
The handshape and movement are identical, but the location is different. 'Mam' is signed on the chin, which is the feminine area of the face, while 'dad' is signed on the forehead, the masculine area.
For the standalone word 'mam' or 'mom', a double tap is most common. A single tap is often used when combining it with another sign, such as in 'grandmother'.
You should always use your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, use your right hand to tap your chin; if you are left-handed, use your left hand.
