ASL: How to Sign Locations
You may need to know how to describe a particular location when using American Sign Language (ASL), whether that location is a country, state, city, or part of the landscape.
Countries in Sign language
Some country name signs that are used in ASL are offensive to those respective countries. For instance, the ASL Sign for Mexico also means “bandit,” and the Signs for Korea, Japan, and China are signed near the eye with a hand movement that indicates “slanted eyes.”
Many signers are now using the indigenous name signs that are politically correct and aren’t offensive. This table includes some ASL signs for countries.
Signing states and cities
Many states and cities have name Signs or abbreviations, but it’s okay to ask someone to fingerspell a place if you don’t understand. Some common state and city Signs are in this table.
Sign language for landmarks
Landmarks add the details to what you’re signing. Details are the key to clear and precise conversation. This table includes the signs for some common landmarks.
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).
