This is a two-part sign, the first word is “sign” you will take both your hands in the “d” handshape palms facing down, while alternating making a circle going backward. The second part is language, you will take both your hands in the “L” handshape touching your thumbs together and wiggle them away from each other.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'learn' by pulling imaginary information from your non-dominant palm up to your forehead, and then perform the full two-part 'sign language' motion using the 'd' and 'L' handshapes.
Point to the person for 'you', sign 'know' by tapping your forehead with a flat hand, sign 'sign language', and remember to raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.
Perform the two-part motion for 'sign language', then sign 'beautiful' by opening your dominant hand across your face and closing it into a flattened 'O' shape as you pull it away.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'learn' by pulling imaginary information from your non-dominant palm up to your forehead, and then perform the full two-part 'sign language' motion using the 'd' and 'L' handshapes.
Point to the person for 'you', sign 'know' by tapping your forehead with a flat hand, sign 'sign language', and remember to raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.
Perform the two-part motion for 'sign language', then sign 'beautiful' by opening your dominant hand across your face and closing it into a flattened 'O' shape as you pull it away.
Not always! In everyday conversation, many Deaf people simply fingerspell A-S-L or just use the first part ('sign') when the context is clear. However, as a beginner, it is great to practice the full two-part sign to build your vocabulary and muscle memory.
No, your hands should not touch during the first part. Keep them a few inches apart as your 'd' handshapes make alternating backward circles. They only touch briefly at the thumbs when you start the 'language' portion.
Keep the circles relatively small and relaxed, about the size of a softball. The movement should come primarily from your wrists and forearms, staying comfortably in front of your chest rather than making large, exaggerated arm movements.
