World Religions
What is the sign for "God"?
Flat hand moves down from above head through middle of chest (dominant hand, palm facing side).
What is the sign for "church"? (Christianity)
Non-dominant hand makes an S (fist). Dominant hand makes a C and taps it twice on top of the S.
What is the sign for "Muslim"?
PRAY + PERSON — make the sign for pray (hands together, move slightly forward) then the person sign (both hands move down at sides).
Some also sign ISLAM + PERSON — make a “C” or “open hand” moving inward toward the chest, showing devotion, then add person.
What is the sign for "reincarnation"? (Hinduism)
Hands start open in front of chest, then one hand moves in a small circle and “lands” on the other hand. Shows life starting again / rebirth.
Who came from France to help start the first school for the Deaf in America?
Laurent Clerc
What is the sign for "believe"?
Touch forehead (like “think”), then clasp hands together.
What is the sign for "Jesus"? (Christianity)
Touch middle finger of one hand to the opposite palm, then switch (like showing the nail prints in Jesus’ hands).
What is the sign for "Quran"?
Bring hands together, weave fingers between each other, then open your hands like a book.
What is the sign for "karma"? (Hinduism)
Fingerspell K-A-R-M-A.
What does “Deaf” with a capital D mean?
Cultural identity, not just hearing loss
What is the sign for "faith"?
"F" handshape (index finger to forehead), then bring it down on top of another “F.”
What is the sign for "synagogue"? (Judaism)
Make a “Y” handshape and move it in a small circle outward (like the sign for CHURCH, but with “Y” = Yiddish).
Some sign TEMPLE (T-handshape at the side of the head, move outward/down) to mean synagogue, depending on community.
What is the sign for "prophet"?
Flat hand palm down, “V” hand moves out from under it, then finish with PERSON (hands down). Shows a messenger coming from God.
What is the sign for "enlightenment"? (Hinduism)
Make a fist (“S” handshape) at the forehead, then open it slowly outward, like light spreading.
What is a polite way to get a Deaf person’s attention?
Wave, tap shoulder, or flash lights
What is the sign for "pray"?
Hands together, fingers pointing up, move them slightly forward twice.
What is the sign for "rabbi"? (Judaism)
“R” handshape moves downward from each side of the chest.
What is the sign for "fasting"?
Make a “zipper” motion across your closed lips with your dominant hand (thumb and index finger pinching, moving across mouth). Shows not eating or abstaining from food.
What is the sign for "meditation"? (Buddhism)
Both hands in “F” handshapes (thumb and index finger touching), palms up, resting near the waist.
Where is Gallaudet University?
Washington, D.C.
What is the sign for "bless"?
Touch mouth with both thumbs, then move both hands forward and down, palms facing out (like sending out blessings).
What is the sign for "Torah"? (Judaism)
Mimic scroll-opening motion: both fists together in front, then roll outward as if unrolling a scroll.
What is the sign for "Arabic"? (Language of the Quran)?
Make a “Y” handshape (pinky out, thumb out), shake it slightly side to side in front of the body.
What is the sign for "Nirvana"? (Buddhism)
Both hands make “F” handshapes (thumb and index finger touching) and are linked together in front of the body. Slowly open the fingers outward, showing release, freedom, or spiritual liberation.
Why are facial expressions important in ASL?
They show emotion and grammar.