To sign 'polish', start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing up. Form an 'A' handshape (a fist with the thumb resting on the side) with your dominant hand and rub it in a circular motion against your non-dominant palm, as if you are polishing a surface. Finally, lift your dominant hand upward while opening it into a 'shine' gesture, spreading your fingers with the middle finger slightly bent forward.
Sign 'my shoes' followed by the sign for 'polish', emphasizing the circular rubbing motion to show the physical action of cleaning and buffing them.
Point to the table, then use the 'polish' sign. You can emphasize the final 'shine' movement with your fingers to show the beautiful, gleaming result on the wood.
Sign 'you polish silver', making sure to raise your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question while performing the rubbing and shining motions.
Sign 'my shoes' followed by the sign for 'polish', emphasizing the circular rubbing motion to show the physical action of cleaning and buffing them.
Point to the table, then use the 'polish' sign. You can emphasize the final 'shine' movement with your fingers to show the beautiful, gleaming result on the wood.
Sign 'you polish silver', making sure to raise your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question while performing the rubbing and shining motions.
Yes, for this specific variation, the upward 'shine' motion is important. It distinguishes 'polish' from similar signs like 'wash' or 'soap' by emphasizing the sparkling, clean result of the action.
While this sign is primarily for physically polishing an object, ASL often uses signs like 'IMPROVE' or 'PRACTICE' for abstract concepts like refining a skill. However, 'polish' can sometimes be used metaphorically depending on the context and your expression.
Your dominant hand should be the one forming the fist and doing the circular rubbing motion, while your non-dominant hand acts as the stationary flat surface.
