How to Sign "Signature"
To sign 'signature', hold your non-dominant hand flat with the palm facing your dominant side, representing a piece of paper. Form an 'H' or 'U' handshape with your dominant hand by extending your index and middle fingers together while tucking the others. Bring your dominant hand toward your non-dominant hand, firmly tapping the tips of your extended fingers against the open palm.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visually logical. The flat, open non-dominant hand clearly represents a document, contract, or piece of paper. Meanwhile, the dominant hand's 'H' or 'U' handshape acts as a traditional ink stamp or a pen making a definitive, official mark. The firm tapping motion visually represents the finality of placing your signature on a document.
Signing Tips
Make sure your non-dominant hand stays relatively still, acting as a stable surface or 'paper'. The dominant hand should do all the moving. A firm, single tap usually indicates the noun 'signature' or the action of signing a document. Keep your dominant fingers straight and together to ensure the sign is clear and easily understood.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using a writing motion with an 'X' or 'A' handshape, which looks more like the sign for 'write' rather than 'signature'. Another frequent error is moving both hands instead of keeping the non-dominant hand still. Remember to use a distinct stamping motion against the palm rather than a scribbling movement.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Signature" in a Sentence
1I need your signature on this form.
Sign 'I need your' followed by 'signature', tapping your dominant 'H' fingers against your non-dominant palm to clearly show the action of officially signing a document.
2Where is the signature line?
Sign 'where' and 'signature', emphasizing the stamping motion against your palm to indicate the specific spot on the document that requires a name.
3Please put your signature here.
Point to the physical location on the paper, then sign 'signature' to clearly direct the person to the exact place they need to sign their name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'signature' the same as 'sign language'?
No, they are completely different! 'Signature' uses an 'H' handshape tapping against a flat palm, representing signing a document. 'Sign language' uses both index fingers circling backwards towards your body to represent the flow of communication.
Can I use this sign to mean 'autograph'?
Yes, 'signature' and 'autograph' generally use the exact same sign. If you are asking a famous person or author for their autograph, you would use this sign to ask them to sign your item.
Does it matter which hand I use as the paper?
Yes, you should always use your non-dominant hand as the 'paper' (the flat, stationary hand) and your dominant hand as the 'pen' or 'stamp' (the 'H' handshape making the tapping motion).
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