How to sign talk in American Sign Language

Sign #1 (1 of 5)

Definition:

Informal discussion

Sign Instructions:

Begin with both hands in a "1" handshape near, but slightly below your face. Alternate moving your index fingers from both hands away and towards yourself a couple of times.

Videos

Example Video

Sequential Image Breakdown

Sequential Breakdown of talk

Beginning and End Frames

Beginning of Sign

First Frame of talk

End of Sign

Final Frame of talk

Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Dominant Handshape for talk
Extend your index finger straight up, resembling the number one. Fold the other fingers into your palm.

Non-Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Non-Dominant Handshape for talk
Extend your index finger straight up, resembling the number one. Fold the other fingers into your palm.

Sign #2 (2 of 5)

Sign Instructions:

Place your in front of you with your palm oriented forward. Open and close your fingertips together a couple of times mimicking a mouth opening and closing while talking.

Videos

Example Video

Tutorial Video

Sequential Image Breakdown

Sequential Breakdown of talk

Beginning and End Frames

Beginning of Sign

First Frame of talk

End of Sign

Final Frame of talk

Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Dominant Handshape for talk
Extend your fingers and press them together, with your thumb sticking out to the side.
Dominant Handshape for talk
Keep your index, middle, ring, and pink fingers together and straight, bend them all at the knuckle at a 90-degree angle, and reach your thumb to the bottom of the fingertips of your index and middle fingers.

Sign #3 (3 of 5)

Sign Instructions:

Place your hand next to your mouth with your palm oriented forward. Open and close your fingertips together a couple of times mimicking a mouth opening and closing while talking.

Videos

Example Video

Tutorial Video

Sequential Image Breakdown

Sequential Breakdown of talk

Beginning and End Frames

Beginning of Sign

First Frame of talk

End of Sign

Final Frame of talk

Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Dominant Handshape for talk
Extend your fingers and press them together, with your thumb sticking out to the side.
Dominant Handshape for talk
Keep your index, middle, ring, and pink fingers together and straight, bend them all at the knuckle at a 90-degree angle, and reach your thumb to the bottom of the fingertips of your index and middle fingers.

Sign #4 (4 of 5)

Definition:

Engage in conversation

Sign Instructions:

Begin with both hands next to each other in front of you with your palms oriented away from yourself, and then slightly rotate your wrists forward a couple of times

Videos

Example Video

Tutorial Video

Sequential Image Breakdown

Sequential Breakdown of talk

Beginning and End Frames

Beginning of Sign

First Frame of talk

End of Sign

Final Frame of talk

Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Dominant Handshape for talk
Extend all fingers to show the number five, spreading them out.

Non-Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Non-Dominant Handshape for talk
Extend all fingers to show the number five, spreading them out.

Sign #5 (5 of 5)

Sign Instructions:

Place your index finger in front of your mouth with your hand oriented to the side and in a vertical position. Then, slightly bend your wrist forward a couple of times.

Videos

Example Video

Tutorial Video

Sequential Image Breakdown

Sequential Breakdown of talk

Beginning and End Frames

Beginning of Sign

First Frame of talk

End of Sign

Final Frame of talk

Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Dominant Handshape for talk
Extend all fingers except your thumb, resembling the number four.

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.

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