American Sign Language: "history" See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGyX9V8ek_s The sign for "history" moves an "H" hand down, up, and down again. HISTORY: (version 2) This version means the same as the previous version. It just adds the non-dominant fist hand. The "H"-hand (lightly) whacks the back of the fist, twice. Notes: QUESTION: In a message dated 3/15/2017 12:50:35 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, Lyn (Deaf, a wordsmith, an ASL instructor, and a poet) writes: Hi Bill, Many years ago I was told the correct way to sign 'history' is as follows: A dominant H handshape - fingers point straight out and palm faces the non-dominant side of the body. Now, move the hand in two very small circles - - if right-handed those would be clockwise circles. The logic for the circular movement, I was told, was two-fold. First, to represent the unending 'cycle' of history and second, to help distinguish the sign from the signs for 'hurry/hurried/haste' and 'hard of hearing.' But most often (or so it seems to me) it is signed with two downward movements. I see "history" signed with a circular motion on occasion but it seems to me that using two downward motions is the more common way to sign it? Can you tell me if both movements (circular and downward) are correct? And if both are correct is the downward movement preferred? Thanks, Lyn --------------------------------------------- RESPONSE: Lyn, I tend to do HISTORY using the two downward movements and a slightly hyper-extended wrist: See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGyX9V8ek_s I have seen history done on the back of the non-dominant fist using the motion of a locomotive wheel axle. I've seen history done with two backward somewhat near the shoulder flicks (connecting the sign to the past). But I have "not" see that circular method to which you are referring. Which, of course doesn't mean it is "wrong" -- just so rare as to not be something I'd teach to a college student. - Bill You can learn American Sign Language (ASL) online at American Sign Language University ™ ASL resources by Lifeprint.com © Dr. William Vicars Want to help support ASL University? It's easy: DONATE (Thanks!) (You don't need a PayPal account. Just look for the credit card logos and click continue.) Another way to help is to buy something from the ASLU "Bookstore." Want even more ASL resources? Visit the "ASL Training Center!" (Subscription Extension of ASLU) CHECK IT OUT > Bandwidth slow? Check out "ASLUniversity.com" (a free mirror of Lifeprint.com less traffic, fast access) VISIT >

American Sign Language: "history"

See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGyX9V8ek_s

The sign for "history" moves an "H" hand down, up, and down again.

HISTORY: (version 2)
This version means the same as the previous version. It just adds the non-dominant fist hand. The "H"-hand (lightly) whacks the back of the fist, twice.

Notes:
QUESTION:
In a message dated 3/15/2017 12:50:35 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, Lyn (Deaf, a wordsmith, an ASL instructor, and a poet) writes:

Hi Bill,

Many years ago I was told the correct way to sign 'history' is as follows:

A dominant H handshape - fingers point straight out and palm faces the non-dominant side of the body. Now, move the hand in two very small circles - - if right-handed those would be clockwise circles.

The logic for the circular movement, I was told, was two-fold. First, to represent the unending 'cycle' of history and second, to help distinguish the sign from the signs for 'hurry/hurried/haste' and 'hard of hearing.'

But most often (or so it seems to me) it is signed with two downward movements.

I see "history" signed with a circular motion on occasion but it seems to me that using two downward motions is the more common way to sign it?

Can you tell me if both movements (circular and downward) are correct? And if both are correct is the downward movement preferred?

Thanks,
Lyn

---------------------------------------------
RESPONSE:

Lyn,
I tend to do HISTORY using the two downward movements and a slightly hyper-extended wrist:
See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGyX9V8ek_s
I have seen history done on the back of the non-dominant fist using the motion of a locomotive wheel axle.
I've seen history done with two backward somewhat near the shoulder flicks (connecting the sign to the past).
But I have "not" see that circular method to which you are referring.
Which, of course doesn't mean it is "wrong" -- just so rare as to not be something I'd teach to a college student.
- Bill

You can learn American Sign Language (ASL) online at American Sign Language University ™
ASL resources by Lifeprint.com © Dr. William Vicars

Want to help support ASL University? It's easy: DONATE (Thanks!)
(You don't need a PayPal account. Just look for the credit card logos and click continue.)

Another way to help is to buy something from the ASLU "Bookstore."

Want even more ASL resources? Visit the "ASL Training Center!" (Subscription Extension of ASLU) CHECK IT OUT >

Bandwidth slow? Check out "ASLUniversity.com" (a free mirror of Lifeprint.com less traffic, fast access) VISIT >