How to sign listen in American Sign Language

Sign #1 (1 of 4)

Definition:

Visual communication

Sign Instructions:

Put the tips of your thumbs underneath your eyes with your palms oriented toward each other. Then, curl your index and middle fingers down in unison a couple of times.

Videos

Example Video

Tutorial Video

Sequential Image Breakdown

Sequential Breakdown of listen

Beginning and End Frames

Beginning of Sign

First Frame of listen

End of Sign

Final Frame of listen

Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Dominant Handshape for listen
Extend your thumb, index, and middle fingers, while folding your ring and pinky fingers into your palm.
Dominant Handshape for listen
Extend your thumb, index, and middle fingers with a slight curl, folding the ring and pinky fingers into the palm.

Non-Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Non-Dominant Handshape for listen
Extend your thumb, index, and middle fingers, while folding your ring and pinky fingers into your palm.
Non-Dominant Handshape for listen
Extend your thumb, index, and middle fingers with a slight curl, folding the ring and pinky fingers into the palm.

Sign #2 (2 of 4)

Sign Instructions:

With your hand in a vertical position and your wrist slightly tilted back, tap your thumb on your ear a couple of times.

Videos

Example Video

Tutorial Video

Sequential Image Breakdown

Sequential Breakdown of listen

Beginning and End Frames

Beginning of Sign

First Frame of listen

End of Sign

Final Frame of listen

Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Dominant Handshape for listen
Curve all of your fingers to form the shape of the letter 'C'.

Sign #3 (3 of 4)

Sign Instructions:

Begin with your thumb next to your ear with your index and middle fingers pointing up and your palm oriented forward. Then, bend your index and middle fingers down a couple of times.

Videos

Example Video

Tutorial Video

Sequential Image Breakdown

Sequential Breakdown of listen

Beginning and End Frames

Beginning of Sign

First Frame of listen

End of Sign

Final Frame of listen

Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Dominant Handshape for listen
Extend your thumb, index, and middle fingers, while folding your ring and pinky fingers into your palm.
Dominant Handshape for listen
Extend your thumb, index, and middle fingers with a slight curl, folding the ring and pinky fingers into the palm.

Sign #4 (4 of 4)

Sign Instructions:

With your hand in a vertical position and your wrist slightly tilted back, press your thumb on your ear.

Videos

Example Video

Tutorial Video

Sequential Image Breakdown

Sequential Breakdown of listen

Beginning and End Frames

Beginning of Sign

First Frame of listen

End of Sign

Final Frame of listen

Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Dominant Handshape for listen
Curve all of your fingers to form the shape of the letter 'C'.

About the Creator

Paul Kelly, a nationally certified sign language interpreter and the founder of strongasl.com, has dedicated his career to bridging communication gaps through sign language. As a CODA (child of deaf adult), with deep personal and professional roots in the deaf community, Paul brings a unique blend of personal insight and professional expertise to his work.

His experiences range from legal to entertainment interpreting, including teaching sign language to celebrities like Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. His passion for innovation is evident in the AI-driven features of this dictionary, aiming to make sign language more accessible for all.

Learn More About This Site