Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Occupation"

To sign 'occupation', form both hands into 'S' shapes (fists). Hold your non-dominant hand in front of you with the back of the hand facing up. Take your dominant hand and tap the heel of your fist against the back of your non-dominant wrist twice.

Examples Using "Occupation" in a Sentence

1

What is your occupation?

Point to the person to sign 'YOUR', sign 'OCCUPATION', and then sign 'WHAT' while furrowing your eyebrows to ask a wh-question.

2

My occupation is teaching.

Point to yourself to sign 'MY', sign 'OCCUPATION', and then sign 'TEACHER'.

3

I want a new occupation.

Sign 'I', 'WANT', 'NEW', and finish with the sign for 'OCCUPATION'.

How to Sign "Occupation"
To sign 'occupation', form both hands into 'S' shapes (fists). Hold your non-dominant hand in front of you with the back of the hand facing up. Take your dominant hand and tap the heel of your fist against the back of your non-dominant wrist twice.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'occupation' shares its form with 'work' and 'job'. The 'S' handshapes (fists) and the repetitive tapping motion visually represent hands engaged in physical labor or the use of tools. Historically, this iconic gesture captured the essence of manual labor, which was the most common form of employment, and it has evolved to represent any profession or career.
Signing Tips
When signing 'occupation', ensure your non-dominant hand remains steady as a base. The movement should come entirely from your dominant arm and wrist. Make sure to use a clear, distinct double tap. Since this sign is identical to 'work' and 'job', rely on your facial expressions and the context of your sentence to convey the specific meaning you intend.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using flat hands instead of the required 'S' handshapes (fists). Another frequent error is tapping the knuckles together rather than tapping the heel of the dominant hand against the back of the non-dominant wrist. Beginners also sometimes tap only once, but a double tap is important for clearly establishing the noun form of the word.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Occupation" in a Sentence
1

What is your occupation?

Point to the person to sign 'YOUR', sign 'OCCUPATION', and then sign 'WHAT' while furrowing your eyebrows to ask a wh-question.

2

My occupation is teaching.

Point to yourself to sign 'MY', sign 'OCCUPATION', and then sign 'TEACHER'.

3

I want a new occupation.

Sign 'I', 'WANT', 'NEW', and finish with the sign for 'OCCUPATION'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'occupation' the same as 'work'?

Yes, the sign for 'occupation' is the exact same sign used for 'work' and 'job'. In ASL, a single sign often covers multiple related English concepts. The context of your sentence will make it clear that you are referring to a profession or occupation.

Does it matter which hand is on top?

Yes, it does. Your dominant hand should always be the one doing the active tapping on top. Your non-dominant hand serves as the stationary base underneath.

How many times should I tap my wrist?

You should tap your wrist twice. In ASL, nouns like 'occupation' or 'job' typically use a double movement, whereas verbs sometimes use a single, larger movement.

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