How to Sign "Yours"
To sign "yours," use a flat handshape with your fingers together. Hold your hand up and push your palm forward, directly toward the person you are talking to. This forward pushing motion with a flat palm is used for possessive pronouns in ASL.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
In American Sign Language, the pronoun system is highly logical, visual, and directional. Personal pronouns (such as I, you, he, or she) use an index finger to point directly at the subject. In contrast, possessive pronouns (such as my, mine, your, yours, his, or hers) consistently use a flat "B" handshape. Pushing the flat palm toward someone visually and metaphorically indicates that ownership, responsibility, or possession is being directed to them.
Signing Tips
To sign "yours" clearly, ensure your palm is completely flat with your fingers held tightly together, resembling a "B" handshape. Push your hand smoothly and directly toward the person you are addressing. The flat handshape is a fundamental rule in ASL because it distinguishes possessive pronouns (like "your" or "yours") from personal pronouns (like "you"). Keep your wrist straight and your movement deliberate to show clear ownership.
Common Mistakes
The most frequent mistake beginners make is pointing with their index finger instead of using a flat palm. Pointing with the index finger translates to "you," whereas the flat palm translates to "your" or "yours." Mixing up personal and possessive pronouns can completely change the meaning of your sentence. Always remember the ASL rule of thumb: use an index finger for people, and use a flat hand to show possession!
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Yours" in a Sentence
1Is this book yours?
Point to the book, raise your eyebrows to indicate you are asking a yes/no question, and push your flat palm toward the person to sign "yours."
2The choice is yours.
Sign "choice," then firmly push your flat palm forward toward the person you are addressing to emphasize that the decision belongs to them.
3I have my jacket, where is yours?
After signing about your jacket, furrow your eyebrows to show a "wh-" question, sign "where," and finish by directing your flat palm toward the person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between "your" and "yours" in ASL?
No, ASL uses the exact same sign for both "your" and "yours." The flat palm pushed toward the person covers both English words, and the specific meaning is easily understood from the context of your sentence.
What if I am talking to multiple people and want to say "yours"?
If you mean "yours" as in a group of people (plural), you sweep your flat palm in a smooth, horizontal arc in front of you, moving across the group you are addressing. The single forward push is only used for one person.
Why do I keep accidentally signing "you" instead of "yours"?
It is a very common beginner habit to point your index finger for everything! Just remember that pointing is for people ("you"), and a flat palm is for ownership ("yours"). Practicing them back-to-back can help build the right muscle memory.
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