How to Sign "Type"
To sign "type," hold both hands in front of you with your palms facing down and your fingers slightly bent. Wiggle your fingers up and down rapidly, mimicking the natural motion of typing on a computer keyboard.
Examples Using "Type" in a Sentence
1
I need to type an email.
Sign "I" and "need," then perform the typing motion for "type," and finish with the sign for "email."
2
Can you type fast?
Point to the person for "you," sign "type" by wiggling your fingers, and then sign "fast." Remember to raise your eyebrows since this is a yes/no question.
3
She is typing an essay.
Point to the person for "she," sign "type," and then sign "paper" or "essay." The continuous wiggling motion naturally implies the ongoing action of typing.
How to Sign "Type"
To sign "type," hold both hands in front of you with your palms facing down and your fingers slightly bent. Wiggle your fingers up and down rapidly, mimicking the natural motion of typing on a computer keyboard.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic, meaning it looks exactly like the action it represents. The handshape and the wiggling motion of the fingers directly mimic the physical act of typing on a typewriter or a computer keyboard.
Signing Tips
Keep your wrists relatively still and let your fingers do the work, just like you would when actually typing on a keyboard. Your fingers should be slightly curved and relaxed, which makes the fluttering motion look much more natural.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is moving the entire arm up and down instead of isolating the movement to just the fingers. Another error is keeping the fingers completely straight and rigid; they should be slightly bent to mimic resting over a real keyboard.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Type" in a Sentence
1I need to type an email.
Sign "I" and "need," then perform the typing motion for "type," and finish with the sign for "email."
2Can you type fast?
Point to the person for "you," sign "type" by wiggling your fingers, and then sign "fast." Remember to raise your eyebrows since this is a yes/no question.
3She is typing an essay.
Point to the person for "she," sign "type," and then sign "paper" or "essay." The continuous wiggling motion naturally implies the ongoing action of typing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'type' the same as 'keyboard'?
Yes, the sign for 'type' is often used to mean 'keyboard' as well. The context of your sentence will usually make it clear whether you are referring to the action of typing or the physical object itself.
How do I show that someone is typing for a long time?
To show continuous or prolonged typing, you can extend the duration of the sign. Keep wiggling your fingers for a longer period, and you can even add a facial expression that shows focus or exhaustion to emphasize the effort.
Should my hands move side to side while signing 'type'?
Your hands can move slightly side to side to mimic reaching for different keys, but the primary movement should be the up-and-down wiggling of your fingers. Keep the side-to-side motion minimal so it doesn't look like you are playing the piano.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!