places
sign for post office
handshape (P then O), location (neutral space), movement (smooth transition), orientation (palms facing forward/out), and non-manual signals (neutral expression)
sign for fire department
FIRE: Usually uses a "5" handshape (all fingers spread) or a "B" handshape, with palm orientation facing inward or slightly upward.STATION: Usually uses "B" handshapes (flat hands) to show a structure or a roof.
sign for church
" handshape onto the back of a non-dominant fist or flat hand, usually twice. The dominant hand's palm faces outward while tapping the base hand. This initialized sign (using the letter 'C') represents a "rock" or "structure" of faith
sign for bakery
Both hands use flat "B" handshapes (fingers straight and together, thumb tucked).Location: The non-dominant hand is held horizontally in front of the chest, palm facing down (representing the oven rack or surface).Movement: The dominant hand (palm up) starts above or in front of the non-dominant hand and slides underneath it in a forward, slightly downward motion.Palm Orientation: The non-dominant hand palm faces down; the dominant hand palm faces up as it slides under.Non-Manual Signals (NMS): Neutral facial expression, though a slight nod can accompany the motion to show the action of placing something inside
sign for community center
Two open "B" handshapes (flat hands) that are slightly curved, or sometimes "C" handshapes.Location: In front of the chest, moving from side to side.Movement: A twisting, alternating motion where the fingertips of both hands touch, then pull apart slightly, then touch again while rotating palms back and forth.Palm Orientation: Alternating between facing down/forward to facing each other/up.Handshape: Non-dominant hand is a flat, horizontal base. The dominant hand uses a bent "5" handshape (or sometimes a middle-finger-extended handshape).Location: Over the non-dominant palm, generally in front of the center of the chest.Movement: The dominant hand makes a small circular motion, landing with the fingertips touching the center of the non-dominant palm.Palm Orientation: Non-dominant palm faces down (toward the floor). The dominant palm faces down towards the base hand. ASL American Sign Language +4 Non-Manual Signals (NMS/ExpressionA neutral or slightly pleasant facial expression is used, with a slight nod of the head when completing the "center" sign.
sign for bank
handshape, palm orientation, location, movement, and non-manual markers (expressions)
sign for police station
Handshape: The dominant hand forms a "C" handshape (or sometimes a "claw" C or a flattened C) to represent a badge.Location: The hand is placed on the upper chest or shoulder area, usually opposite the dominant hand (e.g., right hand taps left chest).Movement: The "C" hand moves to tap or press against the chest twice.Palm Orientation: The palm faces toward the side (the non-dominant side of the body).Non-manual Markers (Expression): A focused or neutral facial expression is typically used, though it can accompany a serious expression.
sign for parking lot
'3' handshape tapping onto a flat, horizontal non-dominant palm, representing a car parking, followed by the sign for "FIELD" or "AREA"
sign for grocery store
flattened O-handshapes for store, with a double, forward-pivoting movement, and a "food" sign involving tapping fingertips near the mouth
sign for theater
using "A" handshapes to move in alternating, forward-rolling circles, often described as pedaling a bicycle backward
sign for highschool
Handshape (H), Orientation (palm facing forward/slightly inward), Location (neutral space in front of the chest), Movement (shifting/moving from the H position to the S position), and Non-manual Signals (usually neutral or pleasant expression
sign for tourist
an "F" handshape that twists/shakes, palm orientation facing roughly 45 degrees inward, located near the cheek/jaw, with a twisting movement. Non-manual markers (NMMs) like a neutral or slightly inquisitive expression are used
sign for playground
a Y-handshape with both hands to shake for "play," followed by a flat-hand sweeping motion to represent the area
sign for shoe shop
Handshape: Both hands are formed into fists (specifically "S" handshapes, where hands are closed, and thumbs are tucked across the front of the knuckles).Palm Orientation: The palms face down, or slightly toward each other at the sides.Location: The sign is made in neutral space in front of the chest, usually at a comfortable height between the elbows and shoulders.Movement: The fists tap together twice, generally touching at the sides of the thumbs or index fingers Non-Manual Markers (Expression): A neutral facial expression
sign for dentist
an "X" handshape (or sometimes a "D" handshape) with the dominant hand, tapping the tip of the pointer finger on the teeth or the chin twice
sign for pool
handshape (relaxed bent hands), orientation (palms facing out/sideways), location (neutral space in front of torso), movement (simultaneous outward/side-to-side motion), and non-manual markers (neutral or slight smile)
sign for state
tapping a dominant S-handshape twice against an upright, flat non-dominant palm (location) while moving slightly downward
sign for city/town hall
two flat hands facing each other moving forward, signifying a corridor
sign for restaurant
making an "R" handshape with the dominant hand (index and middle fingers crossed) and tapping or brushing it twice against alternating sides of the chin
sign for bridge
holding the non-dominant forearm horizontally to represent the bridge deck, while the dominant hand uses a "V" handshape, with the index and middle fingers acting as support pillars (piers) that move underneath the arm
sign for museum
handshape (both hands form the letter 'M'), followed by the location and movement of forming a 'house' shape
sign for library
forming an "L" handshape with the dominant hand and moving it in a small clockwise circle at chest/shoulder level. The palm faces outward, and the movement is repeated twice
sign for hospital
H-handshape, contact with the shoulder/upper arm, and a two-motion tracing movement.
sign for college
flat handshapes, palms facing up/inward, upward/circular movement, and placement in front of the chest, often accompanied by neutral facial expressions
sign for stadium
C" or curved handshapes, moving from a central or rear position forward/around to indicate a large, enclosed structure, often starting with a sign for "auditorium" and expanding the shape