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How to Sign "Vietnam"

To sign Vietnam, start by forming a 'V' handshape with your dominant hand (index and middle fingers extended and spread apart). Bring your hand up and place it near your temple or the side of your eye. Then, move your hand downward and slightly forward while smoothly transitioning your fingers into an 'N' handshape (index and middle fingers folded down over your thumb). The movement should be a short, controlled drop ending near your upper chest or shoulder level.

Examples Using "Vietnam" in a Sentence

1

I am traveling to Vietnam next year.

To sign this sentence, start by establishing the timeframe with 'NEXT YEAR', moving your dominant fist forward from your non-dominant fist. Then point to yourself for 'I', use the sign for 'TRAVEL', and finish with the 'V-N' sign for 'VIETNAM' to complete the thought.

2

Vietnamese food is delicious.

Begin by signing 'VIETNAM' using the 'V' to 'N' motion. Next, sign 'FOOD' by tapping a flattened 'O' handshape to your mouth. Finally, sign 'DELICIOUS' by snapping your middle finger and thumb as you pull your hand away from your mouth, showing a pleased facial expression.

3

She was born in Vietnam.

First, point to the person you are talking about to indicate 'SHE'. Next, sign 'BORN' by moving your dominant flat hand downward from your stomach, sliding over your non-dominant hand. Conclude the sentence by signing 'VIETNAM' with the 'V' to 'N' handshape transition.

How to Sign "Vietnam"
To sign Vietnam, start by forming a 'V' handshape with your dominant hand (index and middle fingers extended and spread apart). Bring your hand up and place it near your temple or the side of your eye. Then, move your hand downward and slightly forward while smoothly transitioning your fingers into an 'N' handshape (index and middle fingers folded down over your thumb). The movement should be a short, controlled drop ending near your upper chest or shoulder level.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for Vietnam is an initialized sign, meaning it incorporates letters from the manual alphabet to represent the spoken word. Specifically, it uses the letters 'V' and 'N' to stand for the two parts of the country's name: Viet Nam. The placement of the sign near the temple or eye area is a historical remnant of older ASL signs that were traditionally used to denote various Asian countries. Over time, this specific initialized movement became a widely recognized way to identify Vietnam in ASL.
Signing Tips
When practicing the sign for Vietnam, focus on the fluidity of your handshape transition. Start with a clear 'V' handshape near your temple, and as your hand descends, smoothly fold your fingers into the 'N' handshape. You do not need to make physical contact with your head; keeping your hand just an inch or two away is perfectly fine. Ensure your palm is facing outward or slightly angled toward your body during the movement. Keep your facial expressions relaxed and natural to match the context of your conversation.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is rushing the transition between the two letters, which can make the sign look sloppy or confusing. Make sure both the 'V' and the 'N' are clearly formed. Another common error is starting the sign too high on the forehead or moving the hand too far down the body. The movement should be a relatively short, controlled drop from the temple area down to the upper chest or shoulder level. Take your time to ensure the handshapes are distinct.
Regional Variations
While the 'V-N' sign demonstrated here is widely recognized and commonly used across the United States, there are a few variations you might encounter. Because the temple placement originates from older, outdated signs for Asian countries, some signers prefer alternative versions. A popular modern variation is the 'squiggly V' sign, where a 'V' handshape is moved in a wavy line in front of the body. You may also see native Vietnamese Sign Language signs used by Deaf individuals from Vietnam or within specific local communities.
Examples Using "Vietnam" in a Sentence
1

I am traveling to Vietnam next year.

To sign this sentence, start by establishing the timeframe with 'NEXT YEAR', moving your dominant fist forward from your non-dominant fist. Then point to yourself for 'I', use the sign for 'TRAVEL', and finish with the 'V-N' sign for 'VIETNAM' to complete the thought.

2

Vietnamese food is delicious.

Begin by signing 'VIETNAM' using the 'V' to 'N' motion. Next, sign 'FOOD' by tapping a flattened 'O' handshape to your mouth. Finally, sign 'DELICIOUS' by snapping your middle finger and thumb as you pull your hand away from your mouth, showing a pleased facial expression.

3

She was born in Vietnam.

First, point to the person you are talking about to indicate 'SHE'. Next, sign 'BORN' by moving your dominant flat hand downward from your stomach, sliding over your non-dominant hand. Conclude the sentence by signing 'VIETNAM' with the 'V' to 'N' handshape transition.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the only way to sign Vietnam in ASL?

No, while the 'V-N' sign is very common and widely understood, there are other variations. Some signers prefer a 'squiggly V' sign, which moves a 'V' handshape in a wavy line. You might also see native signs from Vietnamese Sign Language used by some individuals.

Why does the sign use the letters V and N?

This is known as an initialized sign. It uses the first letters of the two words that make up the country's name, Viet Nam. Initializing is a common technique in ASL to specify a particular place or concept within a broader category.

Do I need to touch my face when signing Vietnam?

No, physical contact is not required. You simply need to place your 'V' handshape near your temple or the side of your eye. Keeping your hand an inch or two away from your face is perfectly fine and often makes the downward movement to the 'N' handshape smoother.

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