How to Sign "Underline"
This version of 'underline' combines the signs for 'WORD' and 'LINE'. First, hold your non-dominant hand in a '1' handshape with your index finger pointing up. With your dominant hand in a 'G' handshape (index finger and thumb extended and slightly apart), tap the tip of your non-dominant index finger. Then, change both hands to 'F' handshapes, where the index fingers and thumbs touch to form circles. Start with your hands together in front of you, then pull them apart horizontally to represent drawing a line.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a compound that brings together two distinct ASL concepts to create a new meaning. The first part is the sign for 'WORD', where the dominant 'G' handshape visually represents measuring a small unit of text against the non-dominant index finger. The second part is the sign for 'LINE' or 'SENTENCE', using 'F' handshapes pulling apart to visually trace a straight line in space. Together, they conceptually combine to mean 'a line for a word', perfectly illustrating the action of underlining text.
Signing Tips
When signing 'underline', focus on making a smooth, fluid transition between the two distinct parts of the compound sign. The first part, which is the sign for 'WORD', establishes the context of text. Make sure your dominant 'G' handshape clearly taps the tip of your non-dominant index finger. For the second part, 'LINE', ensure your 'F' handshapes start touching and pull apart in a straight, steady horizontal motion. Keeping the line straight helps visually reinforce the concept of drawing a line.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is rushing the transition between the two parts of the sign, making it look messy or unclear. Take your time to clearly form the 'WORD' sign before moving into the 'LINE' sign. Another frequent error is pulling the 'F' handshapes diagonally or vertically instead of strictly horizontally. The horizontal movement is crucial because it visually represents a straight line of text or a line being drawn across a page. Always ensure your non-dominant index finger is pointing straight up for the first part.
Regional Variations
While the compound sign shown in the video ('WORD' + 'LINE') is used to express underlining text, a very common alternative variation exists. Many signers sign 'underline' by holding their non-dominant hand flat, palm facing down or towards the body (representing a piece of paper or a surface), and using their dominant index finger or thumb to physically trace a line underneath it. Both variations are widely understood, but the flat-hand version is often used for the literal action of drawing a line under something.
Examples Using "Underline" in a Sentence
1Please underline the main idea.
Use the sign for 'underline' to instruct someone to mark the most important part of a text. You can point to the text or book beforehand to establish the context.
2I forgot to underline the title.
Sign 'forget' followed by 'underline' and 'title' to explain your mistake. The compound nature of 'underline' clearly communicates that you missed marking the specific words.
3The teacher underlined my mistakes.
Sign 'teacher', 'mistake', and then 'underline' to describe the corrections on your paper. This clearly shows the action of marking specific words or sentences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this sign look like two different signs combined?
This version of 'underline' is a compound sign. It literally combines the ASL sign for 'WORD' and the sign for 'LINE' to conceptually express the idea of drawing a line under text or a sentence.
Can I just draw a line under my hand to mean 'underline'?
Yes! Another very common and highly visual way to sign 'underline' is to hold your non-dominant hand flat (like a piece of paper) and use your dominant index finger to draw a line directly underneath it.
What do the 'F' handshapes represent in the second half of the sign?
The 'F' handshapes pulling apart horizontally are commonly used in ASL to represent a line of text, a sentence, or the physical act of drawing a straight line in space.
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