How to Sign "Media"
To sign "media" (often signed in the context of "social media"), start by fingerspelling the letters "S" and "M" with your dominant hand. First, form an "S" handshape (a fist with your thumb across the front), then transition into an "M" handshape (thumb tucked under your first three fingers). Finally, bring both hands in front of you with open, spread fingers facing each other, and move them in alternating forward and backward circles to represent a network of interaction.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a modern compound that blends initialized fingerspelling with an iconic gesture. It begins with the letters 'S' and 'M', which stand for 'Social Media'. The second half of the sign uses open hands moving in alternating circles. This circular motion visually represents the continuous, back-and-forth flow of information, interaction, and networking between people across the internet.
Signing Tips
When transitioning from the 'S' to the 'M' handshape, keep your dominant hand steady in one location to make the fingerspelling clear and fluid. For the final 'network' motion, keep your wrists relaxed and ensure your palms are facing each other. The alternating circles should flow smoothly, similar to the sign for 'communicate' or 'interact'.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is bouncing or moving your dominant hand around while fingerspelling the 'S' and 'M'—try to keep it anchored in one spot. Additionally, beginners sometimes just shake their hands back and forth for the second part of the sign, but it should be a continuous, alternating circular motion.
Regional Variations
While this combination of 'S-M' and the 'network' sign is very popular for digital media, some signers simply fingerspell 'M-E-D-I-A' when referring to traditional news outlets. Others may just sign 'S-M' without adding the circular network motion.
Examples Using "Media" in a Sentence
1I spend too much time on social media.
To sign this, point to yourself for 'I', sign 'time', and then 'too much'. Finish the sentence by signing 'S-M' followed by the alternating circular network motion for 'media'.
2Did you see that post on social media?
Sign 'you', 'see', and 'post' (using your thumbs to mimic pinning a paper to a wall). Then, use the 'S-M' and network sign for 'media', keeping your eyebrows raised to indicate a question.
3The media is talking about the weather.
Start with the sign for 'media' shown in the video. Then, sign 'talk' by tapping your index finger near your mouth, followed by 'about' and the sign for 'weather'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just fingerspell the word "media"?
Yes! If you are referring to traditional news, journalism, or mass media, many signers simply fingerspell M-E-D-I-A. The sign shown in the video is specifically used for 'social media' and digital networking platforms.
What does the circular hand motion mean?
The alternating circular motion with open hands is the ASL sign for 'network,' 'interact,' or 'communicate.' It visually represents the back-and-forth exchange of information between multiple people.
Do I need to use both hands for the whole sign?
No, the first part of the sign (the letters 'S' and 'M') is fingerspelled using only your dominant hand. You only bring up your non-dominant hand for the final circular 'network' motion.
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