Comprehending sign language is a fantastic method to express yourself and communicate with others who are deaf or hard of hearing. Understanding the fundamentals of sign language is the first step in learning it. The sign for “is” is one of the most fundamental signs to master. The sign for “is” is created by placing your dominant hand’s index finger and thumb together in a pinching shape and bringing them to your mouth. After that, move your hand slightly forward while keeping your fingers together. This sign can be used to convey the verb “to be” in a sentence. For example, to sign “I am happy,” you would first sign “I” by touching your chest with your dominant hand, then sign “is” as described above, and finally sign “happy” by forming the letter “H” with your hand and shaking it slightly.
There are a few things to keep in mind while signing “is.” First and foremost, make sure your fingers are close together when signing, and that your thumb is on top of your index finger. Second, keep your hand low near your mouth when signing. Finally, move your hand forward only a little distance when signing. When you’ve mastered the fundamentals of signing “is,” you can start putting it to use in sentences. To indicate “I am a student,” for example, you would sign “I” by touching your chest with your dominant hand, then sign “is” as described above, and finally sign “student” by placing your dominant hand’s thumb and first two fingers together and tapping them on your forehead.
The sign for “is” is a useful sign to know, and it can be used in a variety of circumstances. With practice, you’ll be able to sign “is” quickly and easily. So, if you’re interested in learning sign language, start with the basics and work your way up to more complex signs. You’ll be able to communicate effectively with deaf and hard of hearing people in no time if you put in the effort.
Single Letter I
The sign for the single letter “I” in American Sign Language (ASL) is made by extending your dominant index finger straight up, keeping your thumb and other fingers curled into your palm. Your palm should face your body, and your hand should be positioned slightly above your chin, near your mouth.
To sign the letter “I,” follow these steps:
- Start with your dominant hand in a neutral position, with your thumb and fingers curled into your palm.
- Extend your dominant index finger straight up, keeping it close to your face.
- Keep your hand relaxed and your palm facing your body.
- Position your hand slightly above your chin, near your mouth.
The exact placement of your hand may vary depending on the size of your hands and the length of your fingers. It’s important to keep your hand relaxed and your finger extended to ensure clarity in your signing.
Here is a table summarizing the key steps for signing the letter “I” in ASL:
| Step | Hand Position |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dominant index finger extended straight up |
| 2 | Thumb and other fingers curled into palm |
| 3 | Hand positioned slightly above chin, near mouth |
| 4 | Palm facing body |
One-Handed Index Finger Sign
This is the most common and versatile way to sign “is.” Start with your dominant hand in a relaxed position, with your fingers extended and together. Your palm should be facing your body. Then, simply point your index finger forward, keeping your other fingers relaxed. This sign can be used in a variety of contexts, such as when you are identifying something or making a statement of fact. For example, to sign “The cat is black,” you would first sign “cat” using the one-handed index finger sign. Then, you would sign “is” using the same sign, and finally, you would sign “black” using the appropriate sign.
Variations
There are a few variations on the one-handed index finger sign. One variation is to use your non-dominant hand instead of your dominant hand. This is often used when you are signing with someone who is left-handed. Another variation is to use your thumb instead of your index finger. This is often used when you are signing in a small space or when you are trying to be discreet. Finally, you can also use your index finger to point to something or someone while you are signing “is.” This is often used to clarify what you are talking about.
Tips
Here are a few tips for using the one-handed index finger sign effectively:
- Make sure your hand is relaxed and your fingers are extended.
- Point your index finger directly forward.
- Keep your other fingers relaxed.
- Use the sign in a variety of contexts.
With a little practice, you will be able to use the one-handed index finger sign to communicate effectively in sign language.
| Sign | Description |
|---|---|
| One-handed index finger sign | Start with your dominant hand in a relaxed position, with your fingers extended and together. Your palm should be facing your body. Then, simply point your index finger forward, keeping your other fingers relaxed. |
| Variation 1 | Use your non-dominant hand instead of your dominant hand. |
| Variation 2 | Use your thumb instead of your index finger. |
| Variation 3 | Use your index finger to point to something or someone while you are signing “is”. |
ASL Finger I
To sign the letter “I” in American Sign Language (ASL), extend your index finger and hold it up. Make sure your thumb is bent inward and your other fingers are curled into your palm.
4. Additional Notes
When signing the letter “I,” it is important to pay attention to the following details:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Handshape | Extend your index finger straight up. |
| Thumb placement | Bend your thumb inward towards your palm. |
| Palm orientation | Position your palm facing forward. |
| Movement | Hold your index finger up without any significant movement. |
| Location | Sign the letter “I” in front of your body, near your shoulder height. |
Remember to keep your wrist relaxed and avoid making exaggerated movements. The key is to sign the letter clearly and concisely to ensure effective communication.
“I” in the ASL Alphabet
1. Hand Shape
Start by extending your index finger and curling your other three fingers into your palm.
2. Thumb Placement
Your thumb should rest against the side of your index finger, near the middle.
3. Starting Position
Position your hand at the center of your signing space, with your palm facing you.
4. Movement
From the starting position, move your hand forward and downward, forming a small arc.
5. Special Note: Closed I
In certain contexts, such as when you want to emphasize the word “I,” you can perform the “closed I” variation. To do this, keep your thumb and the other three fingers clenched together in a fist-like shape, with only your index finger extended. Move your hand forward and downward in the same arc as the regular “I.”
| Regular “I” | Closed “I” |
|---|---|
|
Fingers curled in palm, index finger extended, thumb on index finger. |
Fingers and thumb clenched together, index finger extended. |
|
Hand moves forward and downward in an arc. |
Hand moves forward and downward in an arc. |
How to Express “Is” in ASL
In American Sign Language (ASL), there are two ways to express the verb “is”:
- The first method is to use the sign for “same” or “equal,” followed by the sign for the subject and the sign for the predicate.
- The second method is to use the sign for “equal” followed by the sign for the subject and the sign for the verb.
The First Method
Using the first method, the sign for “same” or “equal” is made by holding your dominant hand in front of your body with your palm facing you. Then, bend your index finger and move it up and down in front of your palm. The sign for the subject is made by signing the name of the person or thing that is being described. The sign for the predicate is made by signing the action or state that is being described.
The Second Method
Using the second method, the sign for “equal” is made by holding your dominant hand in front of your body with your palm facing you. Then, bend your index finger and middle finger and place them together. Move your fingers up and down in front of your palm, as if you were making the sign for “OK.” The sign for the subject is made by signing the name of the person or thing that is being described. The sign for the verb is made by signing the action or state that is being described.
Variations
There are some variations of the sign for “is” in ASL, depending on the context. For example, the sign for “is” can be shortened by holding your dominant hand in front of your body with your palm facing you and moving your index finger up and down in front of your palm without bending it. This shortened version of the sign is often used when signing quickly or informally.
Practice
Here are some sentences that you can practice signing to express the verb “is” in ASL.
| Sentence | Sign |
|---|---|
| “My name is John.” | SAME JOHN |
| “She is a teacher.” | SAME TEACHER |
| “The cat is sleeping.” | SAME CAT SLEEP |
“Is” on the Finger
To sign “is” using the finger method, follow these steps:
- Hold your dominant hand in front of you, with your fingers extended and palm facing you.
- Bend your index finger at the first joint, so that it is pointing slightly upwards.
- Place your index finger on the center of your palm, just below your thumb.
- Keep your thumb straight and slightly extended.
- Keep all other fingers straight and slightly curled.
- Move your index finger up and down slightly, while keeping it in the same position on your palm.
- Repeat steps 1-6 for the duration of the sign.
Here is a table summarizing the steps:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hold your dominant hand in front of you, with your fingers extended and palm facing you. |
| 2 | Bend your index finger at the first joint, so that it is pointing slightly upwards. |
| 3 | Place your index finger on the center of your palm, just below your thumb. |
| 4 | Keep your thumb straight and slightly extended. |
| 5 | Keep all other fingers straight and slightly curled. |
| 6 | Move your index finger up and down slightly, while keeping it in the same position on your palm. |
| 7 | Repeat steps 1-6 for the duration of the sign. |
Step-by-Step Guide to the “Is” Gesture
The “is” gesture in sign language is a simply formed gesture, consisting of two steps:
-
Extend your index finger upwards, touching the tip to the thumb.
-
Move your index finger and thumb apart to create a small space.
Keep the following points in mind to execute the gesture accurately:
- Ensure your hand is in a relaxed position.
- Avoid spreading your fingers too wide or keeping them too close together.
- Keep your thumb and index finger aligned horizontally.
- Move your fingers apart smoothly and slowly.
- Keep your wrist straight and firm.
- Maintain eye contact with the person you’re signing to.
- Repeat the gesture as necessary for emphasis or clarity.
- Follow these tips to improve your hand movements and enhance your signing skills.
- Place your dominant hand palm down, fingers extended and slightly curved.
- Move your hand forward from your wrist, keeping your fingers straight.
- Touch your fingers to your palm and pull your hand back slightly.
- Repeat the movement as many times as needed to express the concept of “is.”
Incorrect Correct 
How to Say “Is” in Sign Language
American Sign Language (ASL) uses a variety of handshapes and movements to communicate words and phrases. To say “is” in ASL, you will use a one-handed sign:
People Also Ask
How do you say “is” in ASL when referring to a person?
To say “is” in ASL when referring to a person, you will use the same handshape and movement as described above, but you will place your hand in front of your chest, facing outwards.
Can you say “is” in ASL without using your hand?
Yes, you can say “is” in ASL without using your hand by nodding your head slightly. However, it is more common to use the hand sign described above.
