How to Sign "Midget"
To sign this word, hold your dominant hand flat with your fingers together and your palm facing down. Place your hand out to your side at about chest height. Then, move your hand straight down to about waist height, as if you are indicating the top of a short person's head.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for a short person is highly iconic and visually intuitive. In American Sign Language, a flat hand with the palm facing down is frequently used as a classifier to represent the top of a person's head or an animal's back. By placing this handshape at a lower level relative to your own body, you are creating a clear, visual representation of someone who is short in stature. The downward movement emphasizes the lower height.
Signing Tips
When signing this concept, it is important to remember that the English word 'midget' is widely considered offensive, and 'little person' is the culturally preferred and respectful term. In ASL, you use the sign for 'short' (in stature) to convey this meaning. Keep your palm completely flat and parallel to the floor to clearly indicate a person's height. Your facial expression can remain neutral, or you can use a slight nod to affirm the statement. Always be mindful of the cultural context when discussing height.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is confusing the sign for 'short' in height with the sign for 'short' in length or time. If you rub your dominant index and middle fingers over your non-dominant index and middle fingers, you are signing 'short' as in a short movie or a short piece of string. To describe a person's physical stature, you must use the flat hand moving downward. Additionally, make sure your palm is facing down, not sideways, to accurately represent the top of a head.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Midget" in a Sentence
1The actor in that movie is a little person.
To sign this, you would sign 'MOVIE ACTOR SHORT', using the flat hand moving downward to indicate the actor's stature.
2My aunt is a little person.
Sign 'MY AUNT SHORT', using the downward flat hand to describe her height respectfully.
3He is a short person.
Sign 'HE SHORT PERSON', combining the sign for short stature with the person marker to describe him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same sign used for 'short'?
Yes, this is the exact same sign used for 'short' when referring to a person's physical height. It visually indicates a lower stature.
Is there a specific sign for 'little person'?
The sign for 'short' (height) is the standard way to convey 'little person' in ASL. You can also add the 'person' marker after signing 'short' for clarity.
Can I use this sign for a short object?
No, this specific sign is used for the height of people or animals. For short objects, length, or time, you would use the sign where the index and middle fingers rub together.
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