To sign "sh," start by forming your dominant hand into a "1" handshape, keeping your index finger extended and curling your other fingers into your palm. Bring your index finger up so that the side of it gently rests vertically against your lips. Hold it there briefly while slightly pursing your lips, mirroring the natural gesture used to tell someone to be quiet.
To sign this, start with the "sh" sign to grab attention and establish the command. Then, follow up with the signs for "baby" and "sleep." Make sure your facial expression matches the gentle, quiet tone of the situation.
You can use the "sh" sign here as a direct command to quiet down. Sign "please," then "sh," and point to the movie. Directing your eye contact at the person you are correcting makes the intention of the sign clear.
When describing someone else telling a group to be quiet, you can use the "sh" sign while panning your gaze across an imaginary room. This shows the action of the teacher directing the "shh" command to multiple students.
To sign this, start with the "sh" sign to grab attention and establish the command. Then, follow up with the signs for "baby" and "sleep." Make sure your facial expression matches the gentle, quiet tone of the situation.
You can use the "sh" sign here as a direct command to quiet down. Sign "please," then "sh," and point to the movie. Directing your eye contact at the person you are correcting makes the intention of the sign clear.
When describing someone else telling a group to be quiet, you can use the "sh" sign while panning your gaze across an imaginary room. This shows the action of the teacher directing the "shh" command to multiple students.
While "sh" is used to tell someone to be quiet, the formal ASL sign for "quiet" is different. "Quiet" involves crossing both flat hands in front of your lower face and moving them downward and outward. "Sh" is generally used as an informal, direct command.
You do not need to vocalize the sound, but you should definitely mouth the "shh" shape by pursing your lips. This non-manual marker is an important part of ASL grammar and helps convey the meaning and intensity of your sign.
Yes! While the finger stays at your lips, you can direct your eye contact and slightly lean your head or upper body toward the specific person you want to be quiet. This clearly establishes who the command is meant for.
