Dr. Bill's Notes:
In an email message, Holly writes:
"Hello!
I was hoping you might be able to help me figure out a sign that I
could not recognize. It looks like the sign for REMEMBER except
thumb starts at the chin instead of forehead.
I've been trying to integrate ASL into my signing abilities. I
learned "Sign Exact English" 9 years ago from working in a first
grade classroom alongside the interpreter and have been studying
ever since. I have decided to make the switch to ASL so I can become
certified. I am a college student and will begin sign classes this
fall at my university. :D
Thank you!!!!!
- Holly
Holly,
That sign is a version of the sign "letter" (generally used as in "a
piece of mail" but occasionally used (somewhat questionably) to refer
to a "letter" of the alphabet. While I can't guarantee the
person you saw do that sign was actually intending to mean "letter"
-- I can assure you that version can and often is used by everyday
Deaf to mean "letter." Sometimes the non-dominant hand is oriented a
more palm back for that version of "letter" than for the sign
"remember." Also, the sign for "letter" starts near the
mouth. The sign for "remember" starts (in the full citation)
version close to the forehead).
- Dr. Bill
Dr. Bill,
Perfect! thank you so much!!!
You were right on... I learned the non-dominant hand as palm open on
this sign. But the version you describe is exactly what I saw.
This helps me very much, it's like putting puzzle pieces together :)
Thanks!!
- Holly
Holly,
I recommend students learn both versions of "LETTER." But there is
only so much your local teacher can show you in the limited time you
have together. That is why most of us instructors strongly encourage
our students to "get out there" into the Deaf Community and interact
with local native Deaf adults.
Best wishes in your endeavors.
Cordially,
Dr. Bill