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American Sign Language Signs That Look like What They Mean

By: Adan R. Penilla II and Angela Lee Taylor and

Updated: 02-08-2017

From The Book: American Sign Language For Dummies with Online Videos

American Sign Language For Dummies with Online Videos

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Iconic or natural signs look like what they mean — the up and down motion of brushing your teeth that means toothbrush, for instance, or the right and left punches that mean boxing. Iconic signs always show action. Here are some examples:

Boxing

Looks like you’re “putting up your dukes.” Like the sign for boxing, many sports signs are iconic.

Drive

Pretend that you’re steering a car.

Eat

Act like you’re putting food in your mouth.

Milk

Have you ever seen a cow being milked? That’s how you sign milk.

Swimming/pool

Think of when you walk through the shallow end of the pool and extend your arms out in front of you to clear the water.

Toothbrush/brush teeth

If you’ve ever brushed your teeth with your finger, you made the sign for toothbrush and for brushing your teeth.

About This Article

This article is from the book:

American Sign Language For Dummies with Online Videos ,

About the book authors:

Adan R. Penilla II, PhD, NIC, NAD IV, CI/CT, SC:L, ASLTA, teaches American Sign Language at Colorado State University and is a freelance interpreter for the Colorado court system. Angela Lee Taylor has taught ASL for Pikes Peak Community College and the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind.

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American Sign Language ,

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