How to Sign "Summer"
To sign 'summer', ball the hand into a fist with the index finger outstretched. Bring the hand up to the forehead. Point the index finger towards the side of the head. Curl the index finger in twice.
Examples Using "Summer" in a Sentence
1
I love summer vacation.
Sign 'summer' by bringing your index finger to your forehead and curling it twice, followed by the signs for 'love' and 'vacation'.
2
It is very hot this summer.
Start with the sign for 'summer' at your forehead, then use an intense facial expression while signing 'hot' to emphasize the high temperature.
3
What are your plans for the summer?
Sign 'summer', then 'plans', and furrow your eyebrows while signing 'what' at the end of the sentence to indicate a WH-question.
How to Sign "Summer"
To sign 'summer', ball the hand into a fist with the index finger outstretched. Bring the hand up to the forehead. Point the index finger towards the side of the head. Curl the index finger in twice.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'summer' is highly iconic and visually represents wiping sweat from your brow on a hot day. The curling motion of the index finger mimics the action of swiping away a bead of sweat, directly tying the sign to the warm weather of the season.
Signing Tips
Keep your hand positioned near your forehead or hairline. The movement should be a crisp, isolated curling of just the index finger. Make sure the rest of your fingers stay securely tucked into a fist to keep the handshape clear.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake is moving the entire hand or arm across the forehead instead of just curling the index finger. Another common error is using a full open hand instead of isolating the index finger.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Summer" in a Sentence
1I love summer vacation.
Sign 'summer' by bringing your index finger to your forehead and curling it twice, followed by the signs for 'love' and 'vacation'.
2It is very hot this summer.
Start with the sign for 'summer' at your forehead, then use an intense facial expression while signing 'hot' to emphasize the high temperature.
3What are your plans for the summer?
Sign 'summer', then 'plans', and furrow your eyebrows while signing 'what' at the end of the sentence to indicate a WH-question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter which hand I use to sign summer?
You should use your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, use your right index finger at the right side of your forehead, and vice versa if you are left-handed.
Is the sign for summer the same as the sign for black?
They are similar but distinct! 'Summer' uses a curling motion of the index finger at the forehead, while 'black' uses a straight index finger swiping across the forehead without curling.
Do I need to touch my forehead when signing summer?
You can lightly touch your forehead or keep your finger just a fraction of an inch away. The most important part is the location and the double curling motion of the index finger.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!