How to Sign "Mexican"
To sign Mexican, form a 'V' handshape with your dominant hand. Bring your hand up near the side of your upper forehead. Move your hand forward and outward while bending your index and middle fingers into a bent 'V' shape.
Examples Using "Mexican" in a Sentence
1
I love Mexican food.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'love' by crossing your arms over your chest, sign 'Mexican' at your forehead, and then sign 'food' by bringing a squished 'O' hand to your mouth.
2
My friend is Mexican.
Sign 'my' by placing a flat hand on your chest, sign 'friend' by hooking your index fingers together twice, and finish with the sign for 'Mexican'. Remember that ASL doesn't use the word 'is'.
3
Are you Mexican?
Point to the person for 'you', sign 'Mexican', and hold your eyebrows up at the end of the sentence to indicate a yes/no question. Your facial expression is crucial for showing that you are asking a question.
How to Sign "Mexican"
To sign Mexican, form a 'V' handshape with your dominant hand. Bring your hand up near the side of your upper forehead. Move your hand forward and outward while bending your index and middle fingers into a bent 'V' shape.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is visually motivated by the wide brim of a traditional Mexican sombrero. The placement of your hand at the upper forehead and the outward movement of your fingers represent the shape of the hat's brim extending outward from the head. ASL frequently uses this type of visual representation, where a prominent cultural or physical feature becomes the basis for a sign.
Signing Tips
Keep your movement smooth and deliberate. The 'V' handshape should start near the upper side of your forehead, and the bending motion of your fingers should happen naturally as your hand moves outward and slightly forward. Think of it as a single, fluid gesture rather than two separate steps. Relax your wrist to make the motion look more natural.
Common Mistakes
Beginners sometimes place the hand too low, near the cheek or chin, which can confuse the meaning. Make sure the sign originates near the upper forehead. Additionally, avoid keeping your fingers completely straight; the bending motion into a bent 'V' shape is an important part of the sign. Finally, be careful not to use an 'M' handshape, which is an outdated initialized version.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Mexican" in a Sentence
1I love Mexican food.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'love' by crossing your arms over your chest, sign 'Mexican' at your forehead, and then sign 'food' by bringing a squished 'O' hand to your mouth.
2My friend is Mexican.
Sign 'my' by placing a flat hand on your chest, sign 'friend' by hooking your index fingers together twice, and finish with the sign for 'Mexican'. Remember that ASL doesn't use the word 'is'.
3Are you Mexican?
Point to the person for 'you', sign 'Mexican', and hold your eyebrows up at the end of the sentence to indicate a yes/no question. Your facial expression is crucial for showing that you are asking a question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'Mexico' the same as 'Mexican'?
Yes, in ASL, the sign for the country of Mexico and the nationality Mexican are exactly the same. The context of your conversation will make it clear which one you mean. You do not need to learn a separate sign for the country.
Do I need to add the 'person' sign after 'Mexican'?
Generally, no. The sign 'Mexican' on its own is understood to mean the nationality or a person from Mexico. However, adding the person marker (sliding flat hands downward) is sometimes done if you want to specifically emphasize 'a Mexican individual', but it is not required.
Which hand should I use to sign this?
Always use your dominant hand for this sign. If you are right-handed, sign it on the right side of your forehead. If you are left-handed, sign it on the left side. Using your dominant hand ensures your signing is comfortable, natural, and easy for others to read.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!