Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Role"

To sign 'role', begin by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you, with the palm facing your dominant side and your fingers pointing straight up. Next, form an 'R' handshape with your dominant hand by crossing your middle finger over your index finger. Move your dominant 'R' hand in a small, smooth circle in the air toward your body, and then bring it forward to tap firmly against the center of your non-dominant palm. Keep your non-dominant hand steady throughout the sign.

Examples Using "Role" in a Sentence

1

What is your role in the upcoming school play?

To sign this, you will use the sign for 'role' by circling your 'R' handshape and tapping your open palm. Follow this with the signs for 'school', 'play', and 'what', remembering to furrow your eyebrows at the end to indicate a WH-question.

2

She has an important leadership role at work.

Begin by pointing to indicate 'she', then sign 'important' and 'lead'. Next, use the sign for 'role', emphasizing the 'R' handshape landing firmly on your palm to show the weight of the position. Finish the sentence with the sign for 'work'.

3

Everyone plays a role in the success of the team.

Sign 'everyone', 'have', and then 'role'. Ensure the circular motion of your 'R' hand is clear before it meets your non-dominant hand. Conclude the thought by signing 'team' and 'success', keeping your facial expressions positive and encouraging.

How to Sign "Role"
To sign 'role', begin by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you, with the palm facing your dominant side and your fingers pointing straight up. Next, form an 'R' handshape with your dominant hand by crossing your middle finger over your index finger. Move your dominant 'R' hand in a small, smooth circle in the air toward your body, and then bring it forward to tap firmly against the center of your non-dominant palm. Keep your non-dominant hand steady throughout the sign.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'role' is a great example of an initialized sign in ASL. It borrows its movement and location from the sign for 'character', which uses a 'C' handshape circling and landing on the palm. By swapping the 'C' for an 'R' handshape, the sign specifically denotes the English word 'role'. The open non-dominant hand acts as a surface or stage, while the dominant hand represents the specific part or identity being presented.
Signing Tips
When signing 'role', focus on making the 'R' handshape very clear by tightly crossing your middle finger over your index finger. The circular motion should be relatively small, smooth, and controlled, happening just before the dominant hand makes contact with the non-dominant palm. Keep your non-dominant hand steady and relaxed like a blank canvas. Ensure the movement flows naturally without being too rigid, and let the tap on your palm be firm but gentle.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is forgetting the circular motion entirely and just tapping the 'R' hand directly onto the palm. This can make the sign look like an initialized version of 'law' or 'right'. Another frequent error is failing to cross the fingers completely, resulting in a 'U' or 'H' handshape instead of a clear 'R'. Make sure to complete the small circle and use the correct handshape to avoid any confusion.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Role" in a Sentence
1

What is your role in the upcoming school play?

To sign this, you will use the sign for 'role' by circling your 'R' handshape and tapping your open palm. Follow this with the signs for 'school', 'play', and 'what', remembering to furrow your eyebrows at the end to indicate a WH-question.

2

She has an important leadership role at work.

Begin by pointing to indicate 'she', then sign 'important' and 'lead'. Next, use the sign for 'role', emphasizing the 'R' handshape landing firmly on your palm to show the weight of the position. Finish the sentence with the sign for 'work'.

3

Everyone plays a role in the success of the team.

Sign 'everyone', 'have', and then 'role'. Ensure the circular motion of your 'R' hand is clear before it meets your non-dominant hand. Conclude the thought by signing 'team' and 'success', keeping your facial expressions positive and encouraging.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'role' the same as the sign for 'rule'?

No, they are distinct signs. While both use the 'R' handshape and an open non-dominant palm, 'rule' involves tapping the 'R' hand at the top of the fingers and then at the bottom of the palm. 'Role' uses a single circular motion before tapping the center of the palm.

Can I use this sign for a 'roll' of bread or rolling a ball?

No, this sign specifically means a part played by an actor or a function a person has in a situation or job. For a bread 'roll' or the physical action of 'rolling' an object, you would use completely different, visually descriptive signs.

Does the direction of the circle matter when signing 'role'?

Typically, the dominant hand moves in a small backward or inward circle (toward your body) before landing on the palm. However, as long as a distinct, small circular motion is made before making contact with the palm, the sign will be easily understood by others.

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