How to Sign "Post"
To sign 'post', hold your non-dominant hand flat in front of your chest with the palm facing you, representing a wall or bulletin board. Form your dominant hand into a pinched 'O' shape, with your thumb touching your fingertips, as if holding a thumbtack or a piece of paper. Bring your dominant hand forward and press the fingertips firmly against the back of your non-dominant hand.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visually represents the physical act of putting up a notice. Your non-dominant hand acts as a flat surface, such as a wall or a bulletin board, while your dominant hand mimics holding a thumbtack and pressing it into the board.
Signing Tips
Focus on making the movement of your dominant hand deliberate and firm, just like you are pressing a real thumbtack into a corkboard. Keep your non-dominant hand completely still so it clearly represents a solid, stationary surface.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using a flat hand for your dominant hand. Make sure to use a pinched 'O' shape instead, as this accurately mimics the action of holding a small object like a tack or the corner of a piece of paper.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Post" in a Sentence
1Did you post the picture online?
Sign 'picture', then use the sign for 'post' to show that you are putting it up on a digital wall or social media feed.
2I need to post this notice on the board.
Use the sign for 'post' to literally demonstrate the action of sticking the physical notice onto the bulletin board.
3She posted a new video today.
Sign 'video', then use the 'post' sign to indicate that the video was successfully uploaded and shared for others to see.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign for mailing a letter at the post office?
No, this sign is specifically for posting a notice on a board or posting content online. If you are talking about mailing a letter or going to the post office, you should use the sign for 'mail' or 'send'.
Is this the right sign to use for social media?
Yes! While it originally referred to physical bulletin boards, this sign has been widely adapted in modern ASL to mean posting a picture, status, or video on social media platforms.
Does it matter which hand acts as the board?
Yes, you should always use your non-dominant hand as the stationary board. Your dominant hand should be the one performing the active motion of posting.
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