Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Redeemer"

To sign 'redeemer', start by forming both hands into 'R' shapes (crossing your index and middle fingers). Cross your wrists in front of your chest with your palms facing inward. Pull your hands apart and twist your wrists so your palms face outward. Finally, change both hands to flat shapes with palms facing each other, and move them straight down to indicate the 'person' marker.

Examples Using "Redeemer" in a Sentence

1

Jesus is our redeemer.

To sign this, you would first sign 'Jesus', then 'our', and finish with the sign for 'redeemer' by crossing and uncrossing your 'R' hands, followed by the person marker.

2

We thank the redeemer.

Start by pointing to yourself and others for 'we', sign 'thank you' by moving a flat hand from your chin outward, and then sign 'redeemer'.

3

The redeemer brings peace.

Sign 'redeemer', then 'bring' by moving both flat hands toward your body, and finish with the sign for 'peace'.

How to Sign "Redeemer"
To sign 'redeemer', start by forming both hands into 'R' shapes (crossing your index and middle fingers). Cross your wrists in front of your chest with your palms facing inward. Pull your hands apart and twist your wrists so your palms face outward. Finally, change both hands to flat shapes with palms facing each other, and move them straight down to indicate the 'person' marker.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a wonderful example of how ASL combines concepts to create specific vocabulary. The first part of the sign is an initialized version of the sign for 'save' or 'free'. The base movement visually represents breaking chains or bonds apart, while the 'R' handshape connects it to the English word 'redeem'. The second part of the sequence is the standard ASL 'person' suffix. By adding this downward motion with flat hands, the verb 'redeem' is transformed into 'redeemer', meaning the individual who performs the action.
Signing Tips
Focus on making a clear distinction between the two parts of the sign to ensure your meaning is easily understood. First, ensure your 'R' handshapes are distinct and your wrists are fully crossed before pulling them apart. The twisting motion should be fluid, ending with your palms facing outward. Then, make a smooth, deliberate transition to the flat handshapes for the person marker. Keep your hands parallel and your palms facing each other as they move downward, completing the sign with confidence.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is forgetting to add the 'person' marker at the end of the sequence. Without the downward movement of the flat hands, you are only signing the verb 'redeem' instead of the noun 'redeemer'. Another common error is not fully crossing the wrists at the beginning of the motion, which can make the sign look sloppy or confusing. Additionally, be careful not to rush the transition between the 'R' handshapes and the flat hands used for the person suffix.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Redeemer" in a Sentence
1

Jesus is our redeemer.

To sign this, you would first sign 'Jesus', then 'our', and finish with the sign for 'redeemer' by crossing and uncrossing your 'R' hands, followed by the person marker.

2

We thank the redeemer.

Start by pointing to yourself and others for 'we', sign 'thank you' by moving a flat hand from your chin outward, and then sign 'redeemer'.

3

The redeemer brings peace.

Sign 'redeemer', then 'bring' by moving both flat hands toward your body, and finish with the sign for 'peace'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we use the 'R' handshape?

The 'R' handshape is used as an initialization, a common technique in ASL where a sign incorporates the first letter of its English translation. In this case, it takes the base movement of the sign for 'save' or 'free' and applies the 'R' handshape to specify the exact concept of 'redeem'.

What does the downward motion at the end mean?

The downward motion with flat, parallel hands is known as the ASL 'person' marker or agent suffix. It functions similarly to adding '-er' to the end of an English word. It changes the action of redeeming into the noun 'redeemer'—the person who performs the action.

Can I sign this without the 'R' handshape?

If you perform the exact same crossing and uncrossing movement but use 'S' handshapes instead of 'R' handshapes, you would be signing 'savior' rather than 'redeemer'. The 'R' handshape is necessary to specify this exact word and differentiate it from similar religious or conceptual vocabulary.

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