How to Sign "There"
To sign 'there', press the hand into a fist, leaving the index finger outstretched. Point to the place that you are referring to.
Examples Using "There" in a Sentence
1
Put the book over there.
Sign 'book', then use your outstretched index finger to point clearly to the specific location where you want the book placed.
2
My friend lives there.
Sign 'my', 'friend', 'live', and then point your index finger toward the general direction or established space representing your friend's home.
3
I left my keys right there.
Sign 'my', 'keys', 'leave', and point your index finger firmly at the exact spot you left them, making sure your eyes follow your point.
How to Sign "There"
To sign 'there', press the hand into a fist, leaving the index finger outstretched. Point to the place that you are referring to.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'there' is highly iconic and relies on a natural human gesture: pointing. By extending the index finger to indicate a specific location, the sign visually directs the viewer's attention to the physical space being referenced. This use of the index finger is a foundational part of ASL grammar.
Signing Tips
ASL uses a lot of pointing, which is perfectly polite! When signing 'there', make sure your eye gaze follows your index finger to the location you are pointing to. This helps the person you are talking to know exactly where to look. You can also adjust the speed and distance of your point: a quick, short point means something is close, while a slower, extended point means it is far away.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is feeling shy about pointing, as it is often considered rude in spoken English cultures. In ASL, pointing is a fundamental and grammatically necessary tool. Another mistake is pointing without looking; failing to direct your eye gaze toward the location can confuse the person you are signing with.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "There" in a Sentence
1Put the book over there.
Sign 'book', then use your outstretched index finger to point clearly to the specific location where you want the book placed.
2My friend lives there.
Sign 'my', 'friend', 'live', and then point your index finger toward the general direction or established space representing your friend's home.
3I left my keys right there.
Sign 'my', 'keys', 'leave', and point your index finger firmly at the exact spot you left them, making sure your eyes follow your point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it rude to point in ASL?
Not at all! While pointing might be considered impolite in some hearing cultures, in ASL, it is a vital part of the language. Pointing (called indexing) is used to say 'he', 'she', 'it', 'there', and to set up locations in your signing space.
How do I sign 'there' if the place isn't in the room?
If the location isn't physically present, you can establish a spot in your signing space to represent it. Just point your index finger to an empty space off to your side to mean 'there' in the context of your conversation.
Does the way I point change the meaning?
Yes! You can modify the sign to show distance. If you point your index finger slightly and quickly, it means 'right there' (close). If you extend your arm fully, point slightly upward, and squint your eyes, it means 'way over there' (far away).
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!