ASL Body Signs: Learn Them With Video

Many American Sign Language signs for parts of the body are made at or near that part of the body, so where you sign matters as much as the handshape. Brain, for example, is signed with an index finger tapping the side of the forehead.

Each sign below has a short looping video by a Deaf, fluent ASL signer. Play it, slow it to half speed, and watch exactly where the hand touches or points. Small changes in location can change the meaning of a sign. Every page in this group shows the same Deaf signer, filmed the same way, so you can compare signs side by side. A mirror helps: sign along with the video and check that your hand lands in the same place.

When you have the location right, practice in AISA School with your camera and get instant feedback on your signing. New body signs are added as the app adds them.

The signs

A Deaf signer signs BRAIN in ASL

Brain

A 5 minute practice plan

  1. Minute 1: watch each sign at half speed and point to where it is made.

  2. Minutes 2 and 3: sign each one three times, checking the location in the video.

  3. Minute 4: sign them in a random order without looking.

  4. Minute 5: practice one sign in AISA School with your camera and get instant feedback.

Practice these signs in AISA School

Start free. Sign in front of your camera and get instant feedback on your signing.

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