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American Sign Language:  "no"


The sign "NO" can use either a polite double motion or a more firm or definite single motion.  It is also directional in nature--meaning, if I hold my hand off to my right and I point the palm toward myself while doing the sign, it can mean "He told me no." 


A firm, solid "no" as in a command.  Uses one motion.


Another variation of no uses a double motion and a negative headshake.


s/he-told-me-NO.
Is done similar to the normal sign for "no" except that it starts off toward the right and moves in toward your body.

 


Also see: NONE
Also see: NOTHING

Also see:  YES



Notes: 
Some signs like NO have a spectrum of meaning with nuances in meaning that can be expressed via changes in the sign. If NO is done with a single forceful movement it becomes "NO!" If done gently three times using a small movement and a caring but sorry facial expression it means "no, no, no" as if telling a baby in the nicest way possible that a certain behavior is not desirable. If done twice with a typical (fairly small but obvious) negative head shake the sign NO is generally considered considered to be the "normal" version (or the "dictionary" / "unmarked" version of the sign).

 

 


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