How to sign witness in American Sign Language

Sign #1 (1 of 3)

Definition:

Firsthand event observation

Sign Instructions:

With your palm oriented toward yourself and your index finger touching your face underneath your eye, move your head down slightly.

Videos

Example Video

Tutorial Video

Sequential Image Breakdown

Sequential Breakdown of witness

Beginning and End Frames

Beginning of Sign

First Frame of witness

End of Sign

Final Frame of witness

Dominant Handshapes for this sign

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

Sign #2 (2 of 3)

Definition:

Event eyewitness

Sign Instructions:

With your palm of your dominant hand oriented toward yourself and your index finger touching your face underneath your eye, move hand down until the back of it makes contact with the palm side of your non-dominant hand.

Videos

Example Video

Tutorial Video

Sequential Image Breakdown

Sequential Breakdown of witness

Beginning and End Frames

Beginning of Sign

First Frame of witness

End of Sign

Final Frame of witness

Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Dominant Handshape for witness
Extend your index finger straight up, resembling the number one. Fold the other fingers into your palm.
Dominant Handshape for witness
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 witness
Extend your fingers and press them together, with your thumb sticking out to the side.

Sign #3 (3 of 3)

Definition:

Eyewitness

Sign Instructions:

Begin with the side of your index finger of your dominant hand against your cheek. Then, bring your dominant hand down until the pinkie side of your dominant hand makes contact with the palm side of your non-dominant hand.

Videos

Example Video

Tutorial Video

Sequential Image Breakdown

Sequential Breakdown of witness

Beginning and End Frames

Beginning of Sign

First Frame of witness

End of Sign

Final Frame of witness

Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Dominant Handshape for witness
Touch the tips of your thumb and pinky finger together, while extending the other fingers.

Non-Dominant Handshapes for this sign

Non-Dominant Handshape for witness
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.

Learn More About This Site