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PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Nor"

To sign "nor", start by forming an "A" handshape with your dominant hand, keeping your thumb resting alongside your curled index finger. Place the tip or side of your thumb directly under your chin. Next, move your hand straight forward and slightly away from your chin in a single, deliberate motion. This sign is identical to the ASL sign for "not", which perfectly captures the negative meaning of the word.

Examples Using "Nor" in a Sentence

1

I like neither apples nor oranges.

In ASL, you can express this by signing "APPLES" followed by this sign (NOT), and then "ORANGES" followed by this sign again, effectively negating both options.

2

She is neither tall nor short.

To convey this concept, you would sign "SHE TALL" followed by the sign for "nor" (NOT), and then "SHORT" followed by the sign again, showing she is neither.

3

He doesn't want tea, nor does he want coffee.

You can sign "HE WANT TEA" and use this sign, then "COFFEE" and use this sign. The repeated negation clearly translates the English "neither/nor" structure.

How to Sign "Nor"
To sign "nor", start by forming an "A" handshape with your dominant hand, keeping your thumb resting alongside your curled index finger. Place the tip or side of your thumb directly under your chin. Next, move your hand straight forward and slightly away from your chin in a single, deliberate motion. This sign is identical to the ASL sign for "not", which perfectly captures the negative meaning of the word.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign shares its exact form with the standard ASL sign for "not". The visual motivation behind the sign comes from the forward movement away from the body, which symbolically represents pushing away, rejecting, or denying a concept. By moving the hand outward from the chin, the signer visually demonstrates the exclusion or negation inherent in words like "not" and "nor".
Signing Tips
When signing "nor", ensure your thumb is clearly positioned under your chin before making the forward movement. The motion should be crisp and intentional, not sluggish. Because "nor" is a negative word, it is essential to pair the manual sign with the correct non-manual marker. Gently shake your head side-to-side as you execute the sign to grammatically reinforce the negation in your sentence.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is using an "S" handshape—where the thumb wraps across the front of the fingers—instead of the correct "A" handshape. Another common error is brushing the thumb downward along the neck or chest rather than moving it straight forward away from the chin. Finally, forgetting to shake your head can make the negative meaning less clear to the person you are signing with.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Nor" in a Sentence
1

I like neither apples nor oranges.

In ASL, you can express this by signing "APPLES" followed by this sign (NOT), and then "ORANGES" followed by this sign again, effectively negating both options.

2

She is neither tall nor short.

To convey this concept, you would sign "SHE TALL" followed by the sign for "nor" (NOT), and then "SHORT" followed by the sign again, showing she is neither.

3

He doesn't want tea, nor does he want coffee.

You can sign "HE WANT TEA" and use this sign, then "COFFEE" and use this sign. The repeated negation clearly translates the English "neither/nor" structure.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the sign for "nor" the same as the sign for "not"?

In ASL, concepts of negation are often grouped together visually. Since "nor" functions as a negative conjunction (essentially meaning "and not"), ASL efficiently uses the standard sign for "not" to convey this exact meaning in a sentence.

Do I need to shake my head when signing "nor"?

Yes, it is highly recommended. In ASL, non-manual markers like shaking your head side-to-side are crucial for grammatical negation. It helps clarify that you are expressing a negative concept and makes your signing much more natural.

Can I just fingerspell N-O-R?

Yes, you can fingerspell N-O-R, especially if you are using Signed Exact English (SEE) or want to emphasize the specific English word in an academic setting. However, using the "not" sign is much more common and natural in conversational ASL.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!