To sign 'television', you simply fingerspell the letters 'T' and 'V'. Start by forming a 'T' handshape with your dominant hand, tucking your thumb under your index finger. Then, quickly transition to a 'V' handshape by extending your index and middle fingers upward and apart. Keep your hand steady in front of your shoulder while signing.
Sign 'I', 'buy', 'new', and then fingerspell 'T-V'. Since 'television' is almost always abbreviated to 'T-V' in ASL, using the fingerspelled abbreviation keeps the sentence flowing quickly and naturally.
Sign 'tonight', 'T-V', and then use the sign for 'what' while furrowing your eyebrows. Furrowing your eyebrows is essential here to indicate that you are asking a 'wh-' question.
Fingerspell 'T-V', then use the sign for 'turn off' (mimicking turning a dial or hitting a switch) directed toward the actual or established location of the TV in the room.
Sign 'I', 'buy', 'new', and then fingerspell 'T-V'. Since 'television' is almost always abbreviated to 'T-V' in ASL, using the fingerspelled abbreviation keeps the sentence flowing quickly and naturally.
Sign 'tonight', 'T-V', and then use the sign for 'what' while furrowing your eyebrows. Furrowing your eyebrows is essential here to indicate that you are asking a 'wh-' question.
Fingerspell 'T-V', then use the sign for 'turn off' (mimicking turning a dial or hitting a switch) directed toward the actual or established location of the TV in the room.
While there are older, more descriptive signs that mimic a box or a screen with a picture, fingerspelling 'T-V' is by far the most common and standard way to say 'television' in modern ASL.
No, you should just mouth the letters 'T' and 'V' slightly, or keep a neutral facial expression. Mouthing the full word 'television' while signing the abbreviation 'T-V' can look unnatural.
Always use your dominant hand for fingerspelling, including abbreviations like 'T-V'. Keep your non-dominant hand relaxed at your side while you make the sign.
