How to sign things in American Sign Language

Sign #1 (1 of 3)

Definition:

Objects or aspects

Sign Instructions:

With your non-dominant hand in front of you with your fingers pointing to the side and your palm oriented toward yourself, begin with your dominant hand to the side of your non-dominant hand and pointing at your thumb. Then, move your dominant hand down while moving it slightly at each of the fingers of your non-dominant hand as it moves down.

Videos

Example Video

Tutorial Video

Sequential Image Breakdown

Sequential Breakdown of things

Beginning and End Frames

Beginning of Sign

First Frame of things

End of Sign

Final Frame of things

Dominant Handshapes for this sign

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

Sign #2 (2 of 3)

Sign Instructions:

Begin with both hands next to each other in front of you with your palms oriented up and your fingers pointing away from you. Then, move your dominant hand to the side while moving it slightly up and down.

Videos

Example Video

Tutorial Video

Sequential Image Breakdown

Sequential Breakdown of things

Beginning and End Frames

Beginning of Sign

First Frame of things

End of Sign

Final Frame of things

Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Dominant Handshape for things
Extend your fingers and press them together, with your thumb sticking out to the side.

Non-Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Non-Dominant Handshape for things
Extend your fingers and press them together, with your thumb sticking out to the side.

Sign #3 (3 of 3)

Sign Instructions:

Begin with both hands in front of you, side by side, and near each other with your palms oriented upwards. Then move your hands away from each other, slightly moving your hands up and down as you move your hands to the side.

Videos

Example Video

Tutorial Video

Sequential Image Breakdown

Sequential Breakdown of things

Beginning and End Frames

Beginning of Sign

First Frame of things

End of Sign

Final Frame of things

Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Dominant Handshape for things
Extend your fingers and press them together, with your thumb sticking out to the side.

Non-Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Non-Dominant Handshape for things
Extend your fingers and press them together, with your thumb sticking out to the side.

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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