American Sign Language: "can't" In the sign for "can't," both hands are facing palm down and are in "index finger handshapes." Hold the right hand a few inches above and an inch to the right of the left hand. Bring the right hand down sharply and whack the fingernail of the left index finger with the fingerprint side of the right index finger. CAN'T: Note: The left hand remains fairly stationary during this sign. It is the right hand that moves. Think of a mother whacking her child's finger while telling him he *can't* touch the stove because it is hot. Since you are expressing a "negative" concept, it is common to add a negative head-shake. CAN'T: Also see: CAN Dr. Bill's new iPhone "Fingerspelling Practice" app is available now for just 99 cents! GET IT HERE! NEW! Online "ASL Training Center!" (Premium Subscription Version of ASLU) CHECK IT OUT Also available: "ASLUniversity.com" (a mirror of Lifeprint.com less traffic, fast access) VISIT NOW Want to help support Lifeprint / ASLU? It's easy! You can learn sign language (ASL) online at American Sign Language University ™ Lifeprint.com © Dr. William Vicars

American Sign Language: "can't"

In the sign for "can't," both hands are facing palm down and are in "index finger handshapes." Hold the right hand a few inches above and an inch to the right of the left hand. Bring the right hand down sharply and whack the fingernail of the left index finger with the fingerprint side of the right index finger.

CAN'T:

Note: The left hand remains fairly stationary during this sign. It is the right hand that moves. Think of a mother whacking her child's finger while telling him he can't touch the stove because it is hot.

Since you are expressing a "negative" concept, it is common to add a negative head-shake.

CAN'T:

Also see: CAN

Dr. Bill's new iPhone "Fingerspelling Practice" app is available now for just 99 cents! GET IT HERE!

NEW! Online "ASL Training Center!" (Premium Subscription Version of ASLU) ** CHECK IT OUT **

Also available: "ASLUniversity.com" (a mirror of Lifeprint.com less traffic, fast access) ** VISIT NOW **

Want to help support Lifeprint / ASLU? It's easy!