Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Track"

To sign 'track,' start by forming both hands into 'U' handshapes, where your index and middle fingers are extended and kept tightly together while your other fingers are tucked in. Hold your hands side-by-side in front of your body with your palms facing down and your extended fingers pointing forward. Keeping the distance between your hands consistent, move both hands straight forward simultaneously. This movement visually traces the parallel lines of a physical track, like a train railway or a running path.

Examples Using "Track" in a Sentence

1

The train went off the track.

To sign this, first sign 'train,' then sign 'track' to establish the rails. Finally, use a classifier handshape to visually show the train derailing or falling off the path you just created.

2

She runs on the track every morning.

Start by signing 'she' and 'run.' Then, use the sign for 'track' to specify where she is running, and finish with 'every morning' to establish her daily routine.

3

Follow the track into the woods.

Establish the path first by signing 'track.' Then, use a directional sign for 'follow' moving along that established path, and conclude with the sign for 'woods' or 'forest' at the end of the movement.

How to Sign "Track"
To sign 'track,' start by forming both hands into 'U' handshapes, where your index and middle fingers are extended and kept tightly together while your other fingers are tucked in. Hold your hands side-by-side in front of your body with your palms facing down and your extended fingers pointing forward. Keeping the distance between your hands consistent, move both hands straight forward simultaneously. This movement visually traces the parallel lines of a physical track, like a train railway or a running path.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'track' is a wonderful example of iconic motivation in American Sign Language. The two 'U' handshapes act as classifiers representing flat, narrow objects. By holding them parallel and moving them forward together, the sign perfectly mimics the visual appearance of parallel train rails or the borders of a running path extending outward into the distance.
Signing Tips
When signing 'track,' focus on keeping your index and middle fingers tightly glued together to form clear 'U' handshapes. It is also important to maintain a consistent distance between your hands as you push them forward. Imagine you are literally tracing two parallel rails on a table in front of you. Keeping the movement smooth and straight will make your sign easily recognizable to others.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is allowing their hands to drift apart or angle inward as they move forward, which breaks the illusion of parallel lines. Another common error is separating the index and middle fingers into a 'V' handshape instead of keeping them together in a 'U' handshape. Always ensure your fingers are closed and your hands stay parallel throughout the entire forward motion.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Track" in a Sentence
1

The train went off the track.

To sign this, first sign 'train,' then sign 'track' to establish the rails. Finally, use a classifier handshape to visually show the train derailing or falling off the path you just created.

2

She runs on the track every morning.

Start by signing 'she' and 'run.' Then, use the sign for 'track' to specify where she is running, and finish with 'every morning' to establish her daily routine.

3

Follow the track into the woods.

Establish the path first by signing 'track.' Then, use a directional sign for 'follow' moving along that established path, and conclude with the sign for 'woods' or 'forest' at the end of the movement.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign for 'keeping track' of time or a score?

No, this sign is specifically for a physical track, like a railway or a running path. To express 'keeping track' of something, you would use a conceptual sign like 'monitor,' 'record,' or 'observe,' depending on the exact context.

How far forward should I move my hands?

A standard, comfortable extension of your arms is perfect for the general concept. However, you can modify the length of the movement to show a very long track by extending your arms further, or even add a curve to the movement to show a winding track.

Do my hands need to be perfectly level?

Yes, keeping your palms facing down and your hands level with each other is important. If one hand is higher than the other, it might look like a different sign or confuse the visual representation of flat, parallel rails.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!