How to Sign "Turkey"
To sign turkey, form a 'Q' handshape with your dominant hand, pointing your index finger and thumb downward. Place your hand just under your chin. Wiggle your hand side to side a few times from the wrist.
Examples Using "Turkey" in a Sentence
1
We are eating turkey for Thanksgiving.
To sign this, you would first set the context by signing 'Thanksgiving'. Then, sign 'eat' and finish by making the 'Q' handshape under your chin to sign 'turkey'.
2
Look at the wild turkey in the yard.
Start by pointing to indicate the yard, sign 'wild', and then sign 'turkey' by wiggling your downward-pointing index finger and thumb just below your chin.
3
I prefer chicken over turkey.
You can express this by signing 'chicken', followed by the sign for 'prefer', and then concluding with the wiggling 'Q' handshape under your chin for 'turkey'.
How to Sign "Turkey"
To sign turkey, form a 'Q' handshape with your dominant hand, pointing your index finger and thumb downward. Place your hand just under your chin. Wiggle your hand side to side a few times from the wrist.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for turkey is highly iconic, meaning it visually represents the physical appearance of the bird itself. The downward-pointing index finger and thumb, placed directly under the chin, are meant to mimic the fleshy, red wattle that hangs from a turkey's neck. As you wiggle your hand side to side, it perfectly imitates how the bird's wattle swings back and forth when the turkey walks or moves its head.
Signing Tips
When signing turkey, focus on keeping your wrist loose and relaxed so the side-to-side wiggling motion looks natural and fluid. Make sure only your index finger and thumb are extended downward, resembling a 'Q' handshape, while the rest of your fingers stay comfortably tucked away into your palm. The movement should be relatively small and centered right under your chin. Avoid using your whole arm; the motion should come entirely from your wrist.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is using a 'U' or 'V' handshape instead of the correct 'Q' handshape. Remember that your index finger and thumb should be pointing down, not your index and middle fingers. Another frequent error is making the wiggling motion too large or moving the entire arm. The movement should be isolated to the wrist, keeping the hand close to the chin to accurately represent the bird's wattle.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Turkey" in a Sentence
1We are eating turkey for Thanksgiving.
To sign this, you would first set the context by signing 'Thanksgiving'. Then, sign 'eat' and finish by making the 'Q' handshape under your chin to sign 'turkey'.
2Look at the wild turkey in the yard.
Start by pointing to indicate the yard, sign 'wild', and then sign 'turkey' by wiggling your downward-pointing index finger and thumb just below your chin.
3I prefer chicken over turkey.
You can express this by signing 'chicken', followed by the sign for 'prefer', and then concluding with the wiggling 'Q' handshape under your chin for 'turkey'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for the bird 'turkey' the same as the country 'Turkey'?
No, they are completely different signs! The bird is signed by wiggling a 'Q' handshape under the chin to represent a wattle. The country of Turkey is typically signed with a 'C' handshape placed on the forehead.
Does it matter which hand I use to sign turkey?
You should always use your dominant hand to sign turkey. Place your dominant hand under your chin and wiggle it side to side. Your non-dominant hand simply rests at your side during this sign.
How fast should I wiggle my hand?
A gentle, relaxed wiggle back and forth two or three times is perfect. There is no need to shake your hand vigorously. Just use a natural, small movement from the wrist to mimic the bird.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!