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American Sign Language: "country"


The sign for "country" has a couple of versions.



Country: version 1:
Use a "Y-handshape" as your dominant hand.  The non-dominant hand can be be one of several handshapes:  loose, fist, flat, etc. and it doesn't change or affect the meaning of this sign.

The Y-hand moves in a circle on your forearm.  Think of holding a shield with your left forearm and polishing the front with your right hand.

COUNTRY:

 





 



Another way to sign "country" is to use a "flat hand" instead of a "Y" hand.  Note:  The non-dominant hand can be one of several handshapes:  loose, fist, flat, etc. and it doesn't change or affect the meaning of this sign.

COUNTRY: (version B)



 

Note: If you use an "F" handshape on the dominant hand (palm down) the sign would mean "foreign."
 


Discussion:
 

In a message dated 5/7/2008 3:42:24 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, RAH0001 writes:
Is there a sign for the word, "County?" I have searched numerous dictionaries and find "country" but nothing for counties.
Thanks
 
Dear ASL Hero,
The sign for "county" is the same sign as for "country." Generally we rely on the rest of the sentence to help us decide what is meant.  For example, if someone signs LA COUNTRY ("R" intended), that generally means Los Angeles County (no "r").  (Note the sign for Los Angeles flutters an L and an A with a double movement).
I personally tend to do the sign county using the "Y" handshape version of "country."
I use the "flat hand" version of "country" to mean "country, rural, and continent" but you will see it either way.
Note: Quite a few people just spell "C-O-U-N-T-Y."
Cordially,
Dr. Bill

 


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