How to Sign "Tongue"
To sign "tongue," stick your tongue out slightly and use the index finger of your dominant hand to point directly at it. Keep your other fingers curled into your palm in a standard "1" handshape.
Examples Using "Tongue" in a Sentence
1
I burned my tongue on the hot soup.
Sign "soup" and "hot," then point to your tongue as shown in the video, followed by the sign for "burn" or an expression of pain.
2
The doctor asked me to stick out my tongue.
Establish the "doctor" asking you, and then perform the sign for "tongue" by sticking it out and pointing to it, perhaps holding the expression slightly longer to show the action.
3
A cat's tongue feels very rough.
Sign "cat," then point to your tongue using your dominant index finger, and finish with the sign for "rough."
How to Sign "Tongue"
To sign "tongue," stick your tongue out slightly and use the index finger of your dominant hand to point directly at it. Keep your other fingers curled into your palm in a standard "1" handshape.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for "tongue" is an indexical sign, meaning it simply points to the object it represents. Like many anatomical signs in American Sign Language, it relies on directly indicating the body part to convey the meaning clearly and visually.
Signing Tips
When signing "tongue," make sure you actually extend your tongue a little bit so you have a clear target to point to. Keep your facial expression neutral unless you are describing a specific sensation like pain or disgust. Use a crisp "1" handshape with your dominant hand.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is pointing to the closed mouth, lips, or chin instead of the actual tongue. Beginners also sometimes forget to stick their tongue out, which can confuse the sign with "mouth." Always ensure your index finger is clearly pointing to the tongue itself.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Tongue" in a Sentence
1I burned my tongue on the hot soup.
Sign "soup" and "hot," then point to your tongue as shown in the video, followed by the sign for "burn" or an expression of pain.
2The doctor asked me to stick out my tongue.
Establish the "doctor" asking you, and then perform the sign for "tongue" by sticking it out and pointing to it, perhaps holding the expression slightly longer to show the action.
3A cat's tongue feels very rough.
Sign "cat," then point to your tongue using your dominant index finger, and finish with the sign for "rough."
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I always have to stick my tongue out to sign this?
Yes, slightly extending your tongue makes it clear exactly what you are pointing to. If you keep your mouth closed, it looks like you are signing "mouth" or "lips" instead.
Can I use this sign to mean 'language,' like in the phrase 'mother tongue'?
No, in ASL, this sign strictly refers to the physical body part. If you want to talk about a spoken or signed language, you should use the specific ASL sign for "language."
Which hand should I use to point?
You should always use your dominant hand to point to your tongue. If you are right-handed, use your right index finger; if you are left-handed, use your left.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!