How to Discuss Zoo Animals in American Sign Language

A day at the zoo can be fantastic fun for all involved. A few exotic animal signs can keep your kids (and others) entertained throughout the whole zoo trip. Here are the signs for a few common zoo animals:

• Monkey: Place the fingertips of both hands at your waist and move your fingertips up to your armpits; repeat this motion several times.

  

• Lion: Rest your hand on top of your head with your fingertips facing forward at your forehead, then pull your hand back and down to the back of your neck. (Your hand is representing a lion’s mane as you make this sign.)

  

• Tiger: Loosely lace your fingers together, palms facing your body, at your nose. Pull your hands apart, toward your ears.

  

• Elephant: Place the back of your hand at your nose and mouth area, then move your hand out and up, like you’re outlining an elephant’s trunk.

  

• Alligator: Curve your fingers on both hands, place them together at the fingertips, and open and close your hands several times.

  

  By the way, you can use the same sign for ALLIGATOR and CROCODILE.

Language Phrases Glossary

accusative case

When noun or pronoun is the direct object of the verb of the sentence, you are required to switch to the accusative case ending.

Language Phrases Glossary

dative case

When noun or pronoun is the indirect object of the verb of the sentence, you are required to switch to the dative case ending.

Language Phrases Glossary

genitive case

When the noun or pronoun indicates possession, you are required switch to the genitive case ending.

Language Phrases Glossary

instrumental case

A Russian grammatical term that indicates that the noun or pronoun assist in the carrying out of an action, you are required to switch to the accusative case ending.

Language Phrases Glossary

interrogative

Words used to ask questions, such as who, what, when, where, and why.

Language Phrases Glossary

macron

A small, horizontal mark above the vowel that indicates a long vowel sound. Make the vowel sound like its name.

Language Phrases Glossary

nominative case

When noun or pronoun is the subject of the sentence, you are required to switch to the nominative case ending.

Language Phrases Glossary

prepositional case

A grammatical case that indicates that the noun or pronoun is the object of a preposition, you are required to switch to the accusative case ending. Used with the Russian prepositions: v (v; in), na (nah; on), o (oh; about), and ob (ohb; about).