Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Registration"

Start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing up, representing a piece of paper. Form your dominant hand by extending your index and middle fingers together, keeping your other fingers closed. Tap the fingertips of your dominant hand against the palm of your non-dominant hand twice.

Examples Using "Registration" in a Sentence

1

I need to complete my registration for the class.

Sign 'registration' by tapping your extended index and middle fingers against your flat non-dominant palm twice. This double movement clearly establishes that you are referring to the noun form of the word.

2

Where is the registration desk?

Start with the sign for 'registration', making sure to keep your non-dominant hand steady as the base. Follow it up with the signs for 'desk' and 'where' to complete your question.

3

Registration opens next week.

Begin your sentence with the sign for 'registration', ensuring a clear double tap on your palm. Once you finish, smoothly transition into the signs for 'open' and 'next week' to convey your message.

How to Sign "Registration"
Start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing up, representing a piece of paper. Form your dominant hand by extending your index and middle fingers together, keeping your other fingers closed. Tap the fingertips of your dominant hand against the palm of your non-dominant hand twice.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The visual logic behind this sign is highly iconic and easy to remember, as it directly mimics the real-world action of putting a pen to paper. Your flat, upward-facing non-dominant hand serves as the physical document, clipboard, or registration form. Meanwhile, the extended fingers of your dominant hand represent the pen itself, or the physical act of signing your name. Tapping the 'pen' on the 'paper' perfectly captures the concept of officially registering for an event or program.
Signing Tips
When practicing this sign, focus on keeping your non-dominant hand perfectly steady and flat, as it represents the physical paper or document you are interacting with. Make sure the tapping movement comes directly from your dominant wrist rather than your whole arm. This helps the action look natural, deliberate, and clear. Additionally, ensure your dominant hand's extended fingers point downward at a comfortable angle so the fingertips make solid contact with your palm.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is using only a single tap instead of a double tap. In ASL, a single tap often represents a verb, like 'to sign', while a double tap indicates a noun, like 'registration'. Another common error is moving the non-dominant hand up to meet the dominant hand. Remember that your non-dominant hand represents a stationary piece of paper on a desk, so it should remain completely still while your dominant hand does all the moving.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Registration" in a Sentence
1

I need to complete my registration for the class.

Sign 'registration' by tapping your extended index and middle fingers against your flat non-dominant palm twice. This double movement clearly establishes that you are referring to the noun form of the word.

2

Where is the registration desk?

Start with the sign for 'registration', making sure to keep your non-dominant hand steady as the base. Follow it up with the signs for 'desk' and 'where' to complete your question.

3

Registration opens next week.

Begin your sentence with the sign for 'registration', ensuring a clear double tap on your palm. Once you finish, smoothly transition into the signs for 'open' and 'next week' to convey your message.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'register' and 'registration'?

In ASL, the noun 'registration' and the verb 'register' are often signed using the exact same handshapes and location. However, nouns typically use a double movement, while verbs use a single movement. The context of your sentence will also help make it clear which meaning you intend to convey.

Does it matter which hand I use as the base?

Yes, it is important to be consistent with your dominant and non-dominant hands. You should always use your non-dominant hand as the flat base, which represents the paper. Your dominant hand should perform the active tapping motion, representing the pen writing on the form.

Why do I tap my fingers twice?

In American Sign Language, nouns are frequently distinguished from related verbs by using a double movement. Tapping your fingers twice emphasizes the noun form 'registration'. If you only tap once, the sign might be interpreted as the verb 'to sign' or 'to register'.

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