to sign 'this', press the index, middle, and ring fingers down against the palm, leaving the thumb and pinkie extended. this will create the y shape. with the palm facing outwards, bring the hand down by extending the elbow. this sign is also directional, so when referring to a specific object, point the y shape towards that object as you bring the hand down.
Form the 'Y' handshape with your dominant hand and bring it down firmly, pointing the 'Y' directly at the specific object you want to indicate.
Sign 'look', then use the 'Y' handshape, bringing your hand down by extending your elbow to point directly at the picture you are referencing.
Point the 'Y' handshape down toward the book to establish what 'this' is, followed by signing 'my', 'favorite', and 'book'.
Form the 'Y' handshape with your dominant hand and bring it down firmly, pointing the 'Y' directly at the specific object you want to indicate.
Sign 'look', then use the 'Y' handshape, bringing your hand down by extending your elbow to point directly at the picture you are referencing.
Point the 'Y' handshape down toward the book to establish what 'this' is, followed by signing 'my', 'favorite', and 'book'.
Not necessarily! While the basic motion is bringing the hand down by extending the elbow, the sign is directional. You should angle the downward motion so the 'Y' shape points directly at the specific object you are referring to.
If the object isn't physically present, you can establish an imaginary spot for it in your signing space. Just bring the 'Y' handshape down in a specific area in front of you to represent 'this' abstract idea or object.
While pointing with an index finger is also common in ASL for indicating objects, this specific variation uses the 'Y' handshape brought downward. It often carries a slightly stronger emphasis, firmly establishing 'this specific thing' in your conversation.
