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Brazil: The American Sign Language (ASL) sign for "Brazil"
BRAZIL (Version 1)
There is quite a bit of inconsistency regarding the ASL sign for Brazil (which is generally palm toward the non-dominant side).
Plus you will see some overlap in usage versus the ASL sign for Belize (which is generally palm forward).
It is common to see a palm-toward-non-dominant-side version of BRAZIL signed by Deaf Brazilians. Since Brazil is their country it would make sense or at least show respect to use their pronunciations of the sign for their country.
It has been my observation that the palm forward version of BRAZIL shows up from time to time U.S. to the extent that we might consider the palm forward approach to be a variation that is sometimes used by people who aren't familiar with Libras (Língua Brasileira de Sinais) -- the signed language commonly used by the Deaf Community in Brazil) or do not associate with people familiar with the more authentic version of the sign.
In U.S. environments other than language classrooms and online language learning groups the discrepancy between palm-forward and palm-to-the-side is generally not worth "calling out" or claiming as wrong.
In non-classroom environments it seems to be a better use of time and energy to focus on the signer's intent rather than attempting to correct their signs.
It is not uncommon for ASL students to be taught a palm-forward version by someone teaching country signs.
Signs do often evolve when they are transplanted from one location to a foreign location. For example, here in the U.S . it is common to see MEXICO signed using a double movement but amongst Deaf native Mexicans a single movement is more common. (At least as of 2026).
Whether the palm-side versus palm-forward orientation is even worth mentioning is one of those "read the room" type of situations.
In ASL classrooms and ASL discussion groups -- "palm orientation" makes for a great discussion topic when the instructor or peer tutor is specifically reviewing and demonstrating the sign for Brazil.
At a casual party somewhere when someone is just trying to tell you a story? Not so much.
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Notes:
Reference:
The palm forward version of
https://media.spreadthesign.com/video/mp4/13/455709.mp4
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