How to Sign "Mama"
Form an open '5' handshape with your dominant hand, keeping 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.
Examples Using "Mama" in a Sentence
1
My mama is coming to visit.
Sign 'MY', then sign 'MAMA' by tapping your thumb on your chin twice, followed by 'COME' and 'VISIT'.
2
I love my mama.
Point to yourself for 'I', cross your arms over your chest for 'LOVE', sign 'MY', and then sign 'MAMA'.
3
Where is your mama?
Sign 'YOUR', then 'MAMA', and finally 'WHERE' while furrowing your eyebrows to indicate a 'wh-' question.
How to Sign "Mama"
Form an open '5' handshape with your dominant hand, keeping 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.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
In American Sign Language, signs related to females (such as mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt) are traditionally placed on the lower half of the face, near the chin or jawline. The open '5' handshape tapping the chin is the foundational sign for 'mother' and its variations.
Signing Tips
Keep your fingers spread and relaxed while making the '5' handshape. The movement should be a gentle, natural double tap on the chin. Remember that female signs in ASL are generally located on the lower half of the face.
Common Mistakes
Tapping the forehead instead of the chin, which changes the meaning to 'father' or 'papa'. Another mistake is using a closed fist or a different handshape instead of the open '5' handshape.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Mama" in a Sentence
1My mama is coming to visit.
Sign 'MY', then sign 'MAMA' by tapping your thumb on your chin twice, followed by 'COME' and 'VISIT'.
2I love my mama.
Point to yourself for 'I', cross your arms over your chest for 'LOVE', sign 'MY', and then sign 'MAMA'.
3Where is your mama?
Sign 'YOUR', then 'MAMA', and finally 'WHERE' while furrowing your eyebrows to indicate a 'wh-' question.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'mom' and 'mama' in ASL?
In ASL, the sign for 'mom', 'mother', and 'mama' is generally the exact same sign. You use the open '5' handshape and tap your thumb on your chin. The specific English translation depends on the context and the speaker's preference.
Why is the sign located on the chin?
ASL groups many gender-related signs by physical location. Female-associated signs are typically located on the lower half of the face (like the chin or jawline), while male-associated signs are placed on the upper half (like the forehead).
Do I have to tap twice?
Tapping twice is very common, especially for affectionate terms like 'mama' or 'mommy'. However, a single, deliberate tap is also widely used and perfectly acceptable for 'mom' or 'mother'.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!