Signers who use American Sign Language as their primary means of communication must learn specific vocabulary to communicate successfully about their bodies. For example, ASL signers must use different signs to talk about different body parts such as fingers, wrists, arms, elbows, and shoulders. The following section provides descriptions of the motions used for some basic signs needed by ASL signers to talk about the human body.
abdomen/belly/stomach – Begin with the fingers of the right hand together. Place the right fingertips on the stomach with the palm facing the body. Poke the stomach twice.
ankle – Spell the word A-N-K-L-E with the sign language alphabet.
arm – First form the right hand into the letter B of the sign language alphabet. Place the back of the right hand on the left shoulder. Drag the fingertips of the right hand down the left arm to the wrist.
armpit – Lift the left arm and hold the left fist in front of the face. Point at the left armpit with the right index finger.
artery – Begin with the left hand held in front of the body with the palm facing up. Make a fist with the right hand. Place the right fist on the left wrist. Trace circles up the left arm with the right fist to the middle of the left forearm.
back – Reach over the right shoulder and tap the back with the right hand twice.
blood – Begin with the left hand in front of the chest with the fingers held open and the palm facing the body. Form the right hand into a fist with the index finger straight. Touch the tip of the nose with the right index finger. Move the right index finger down to in front of the left hand. Then open the fingers of the right hand. Move the open right hand down from the chin to the waist.
body – Place the palms of the hands on either side of the chest. Move the hands down the front of the torso to the abdomen.
bottom/butt – Point to the buttocks with the left index finger.
breast – Begin with the fingers of the right hand held together. Touch the left breast with the right fingertips. Then touch the right breast with the right fingertips.
cheek – Pinch the right check with the right fingers.
chest – Begin with the fingers of both hands held together. Tap the fingertips on either side of the upper chest near the armpits with the palms facing out. Then move the hands down and tap the fingertips on either side of the lower chest.
chin – Point to the chin with the right index finger.
ear – Grab the right earlobe between the right thumb and index finger. Wiggle the ear.
elbow – Hold the left arm at a diagonal across the chest. Tap the left elbow with the right index finger.
eyes – Point to the right eye and then the left eye with the right index finger.
fingers – Hold the hands in front of the body at waist level with the wrists bent and the palms facing toward the body. The thumbs point towards each other. Wiggle the fingers.
forehead – First form the letter Q of the sign language alphabet with the right hand. Place the right hand on the left side of the forehead with the tips of the thumb and index finger pointing towards the left. Move the right hand across the forehead.
Please continue to page two for more signs for body parts in ASL.