Quote:
Originally Posted by JennyB
Hi everyone,
I have a question about the ASL sign for 'deaf'.
Is there a difference between siging it it starting with the 'd' hand shape at your mouth and bringing it up to your ear, or starting with the 'd' hand shape at your ear and bringing it down to your mouth?
I see it signed both ways and just wondering what the difference is, if there is a difference.
Thanks!
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It's the index finger handshape, not a "D". However, some people use a "loose" index finger, not real defined, in a casual setting.
I've seen and used the motion from mouth side to ear, and vice versa, for economy of movement. For example if signing "BOY DEAF" it's more fluid to sign "DEAF" from ear to mouth. Signing "GIRL DEAF" is more fluid from mouth to ear.
Sign formation is influenced by its position within the whole context of the "sentence", unless you're just practicing signs from a list or dictionary.