Basic signs

Question 1

thank you / you’re welcome

Answer 1

right hand flat with fingertips against the mouth; the hand moves away from the mouth with the palm up

Question 2

please

Answer 2

the open right hand is circled on the chest over the heart

Question 3

help

Answer 3

the left “s” hand, thumb side up, rests in the open right palm; the left hand is pushed up a short distance by the right

Question 4

meeting

Answer 4

both “5” hands, palms facing, are held with fingers pointing out from the body; with a sweeping motion they are brought in toward the chest, all fingertips come together

Question 5

think

Answer 5

the index finger makes a small circle on the forehead

Question 6

I

Answer 6

the right “i” hand is held with its thumb edge to the chest and little finger pointing up

Question 7

form

Answer 7

both “f” hands, palms facing out, outline the shape of a piece of paper

Question 8

hurry

Answer 8

the “h” hands, palms facing each other and held about six inches apart, shake alternately up and down

Question 9

yesterday

Answer 9

the thumbtip of the right “a” hand, palm facing left, rests on the right cheek; it then moves back a short distance

Question 10

today

Answer 10

1 (now): the upturned right-angle hands (or “y” hands) drop down rather sharply. 2 (day): the left arm, held horizontally, palm down, represents the horizon; the right elbow rests on the back of the left hands with the right arm in a perpendicular position; the right “d” hand, palm facing left, moves in an arc to the left until it is just above the left elbow

Question 11

tonight

Answer 11

1 (now): the upturned right-angle hands (or “y” hands) drop down rather sharply. 2 (night): the left hand, palm down, is positioned at chest height; the down-turned right hand, held an inch above the left, moves over the left hand in an arc, as the sun setting beneath the horizon

Question 12

tomorrow

Answer 12

the thumb of the right “a” hand, placed on the right cheek, moves straight out from the face, describing an arc

Question 13

aid

Answer 13

the left “s” hand, thumb side up, rests in the open right palm; the left hand is pushed up a short distance by the right

Question 14

free

Answer 14

the “s” hands (or “f” hands), crossed in front of the body, swing apart and face out

Question 15

manual

Answer 15

1: the left hand, fingers together, is held upright, palm facing right; the right hand wraps around the lower edge of the left and travels up to the little finger.
2 (book): the hands are placed together, palm to palm, and then opened, as if opening a book