American Sign Language: "in-law"


The sign for "in-law" is generally done by just adding "LAW" after signing the person.

For example:

"BROTHER-in-LAW" is a combination of BROTHER and LAW.  That means it is a "compound" sign. You generally get rid of  the first part of the sign LAW. Some people even get rid of the last half of the sign brother.

BROTHER: (This is a popular version of the sign "brother.")


LAW:


This is how I recommend you sign "brother-in-law"
Sign brother, then place an L on the palm:

 


Now, check this out.
BROTHER-IN-LAW:
When you see "in-law" as part of a phrase such as "brother in-law" you might see it drastically shortened to include only the first part of the sign for brother and the last part of the sign for law.
 



SISTER-IN-LAW:
When you see "in-law" as part of a phrase such as "sister in-law" you might see it drastically shortened to include only the first part of the sign for sister (girl) and the last part of the sign for law.


IN-LAW:  Here is an "English" way to show "in-law."  You just sign "in" and then sign "law." 
But please note that most of the time the sign "in" is dropped when you are signing compound concepts like "brother in-law." (see above).  I don't know of anyone who would actually sign "IN" plus "LAW"


Animation: IN-LAW
Animation:  Brother in-law (version 1)

Animation: Brother in-law (version 2)

Animation: Sister in-law



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).

For a list of various ways to donate see: https://www.Lifeprint.com/donate

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

A must see!:  ASL University's YouTube playlist


Latest ASLU YouTube upload:

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

back.gif (1674 bytes)