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BSL
Today, we’re going to learn the word “can” in sign language. Depending on the sentence, it can be used as a verb or noun.
For example:
Do you still believe he can be alive?
In this example, the word “can” is used as a verb.
There are different types of sign language which are often used in different regions. Every one of them is a real language with its own vocabulary and grammar that are usually related to those of verbal languages spoken in the same area.
Having said that, we will only talk about BSL or British Sign Language today.
So let’s dive into our topic today: How to say “can” in sign language?
Can in Sign Language
Watch the full video, which we’ve given below.
If the video moves too quickly for you, don’t worry. Below, we have provided more information for each step.
- Start with a normal posture.
- Raise your right hand.
- Now touch your nose using the index finger of your right hand.
- Now move your hand away from the nose, as shown in the picture above.
- Say the word “can” while you are signing.
So that’s the first version of the word. Let’s now see the second version.
- Start with a normal posture.
- Insert the index finger of your right hand into your left hand, as shown in the picture above.
- Now remove the index finger of your right hand from your left hand and bend it.
- Say the word while you are signing.
Conclusion
So that’s how we can say the word “can” in sign language. In order to learn how natural BSL feels and to become an expert in sign language, you should practise copying expert signers. It will be easier for you to identify your own mistakes and fix your signing.
CAN: The
American Sign Language (ASL) sign for «can / able»
If you mean «can» as in a container of food, see: CUP
The sign for «can» as in «possible» uses «S» hands that move
downward about six inches.
Note: If you use a double movement, it changes the meaning more toward being
«possible.»
CAN / possible
You can use a stronger movement to indicate more «assurance.»
CAN!
A student writes:
Dear Dr. Bill,
I have a question regarding the word «can» plus shaking of the head
«no» to say cannot or can’t vs. the sign for can’t (point finger of
right hand coming down on point finger of other hand). Are both
excepted? Or is one better than the other? Or am I even wrong to think
you can sign the word can’t/cannot by signing the sign for «can» and
shaking the head no (left to right)?
Thanks.
— Ram Levinger
Ram,
To me, signing CAN-(negative-head-shake) feels «very» awkward and at
best might be used to mean «not able.» Even for «not able» I would tend
to use the actual NOT sign prior to signing CAN. Example: «HE/SHE NOT
CAN WALK» = «He isn’t able to WALK.» I wouldn’t recommend that though.
Instead I’d just suggest signing «HE/SHE CAN’T WALK.» Then if the other
person said, «HE/SHE LAZY!» at that point I might sign, «NO! HE/SHE NOT
CAN WALK! HIS/HER LEG BROKE!»
However the generally accepted sign for «can not» or «can’t» is the
CAN’T sign (dominant hand index finger striking the tip of the
non-dominant hand index finger). The generally accepted sign for
«not-possible» is the IMPOSSIBLE sign (dominant «Y»-hand striking the
non-dominant hand palm twice).
Cordially,
— Dr. Bill
Notes: The sign «CAN» is the basis for the sign «POSSIBLE.»
Also see: CAN’T
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Asked by: Prof. Cordelia Deckow
Score: 4.8/5
(61 votes)
American Sign Language: «can»
The sign for «can» as in «possible» uses «S» hands that move downward about six inches. Note: If you use a double movement, it changes the meaning more toward being «possible.» You can use a stronger movement to indicate more «assurance.»
What is the ASL sign for cant?
In the sign for «can’t,» both hands are facing palm down and are in «index finger handshapes.» Hold the right hand a few inches above and an inch to the right of the left hand. Bring the right hand down sharply and whack the fingernail of the left index finger with the fingerprint side of the right index finger.
Can I have it in Sign Language?
Have is signed by forming two bent hands with thumbs sticking up. Then move both hands in towards your chest, resting your fingertips just under your collar bone. It is like emphasizing, «Yes, I have something,» or, «I have it.»
Can I help in Sign Language?
To sign help, place your closed-fist, dominant ‘A’ hand on top of your non-dominant open palm, and move both hands upwards.
How do you say sorry in sign language?
To sign sorry, make your hand into a fist and rub it in a circular motion across your chest. It is like you are rubbing around your heart because you are truly sorry.
26 related questions found
What does ASL mean on Tik Tok?
The abbreviation «asl» stands for «as hell,» which you will probably notice being used on TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram. For example, one Twitter user wrote: «I woke up about hungry asl this morning lmfaoo.»
Is sign language difficult to learn?
If you are trying to learn sign language for conversational purposes, it’s actually not all that difficult. As with any language, it simply takes time but becomes more intuitive as you engage with others on a one-on-one basis.
What is the most common sign language?
Pidgin Signed English (PSE) or Signed English
PSE is the most commonly used sign language in the United States among deaf individuals. The vocabulary is drawn from ASL, however it follows English word order. Filler and connecting words (to, the) as well as word endings (ed,ing) are often times dropped.
What is late in ASL?
LATE: NOT-YET: This sign is similar to «LATE» except «not-yet» uses a small negative headshake and covers the lower teeth with the tongue. Yes you have to use your tongue in this sign or you are doing it wrong.
How do you say shut up in Sign Language?
The sign for «shut up» (as in shut your mouth) closes the fingers and the thumb on top of your lips as if representing the closing of your mouth. In the ending position the thumb is pressed up against the fingers (in a flattened «O» handshape).
What is the sign for need in ASL?
ASK: Starts as a straight index finger that turns into an «X» as it moves toward the person being asked. NEED: Starts as an «X» and bends at the wrist.
What is the sign language for I Love You?
The sign for “I love you” is a combination of the fingerspelled letter I, L and Y. Your thumb and index finger together form an L, while your little finger forms an I. In addition, your thumb and little finger is expressing a Y. So if you combine all three handshapes, you get I-L-Y for I love you.
Is sign language the same in all languages?
There is no universal sign language. Different sign languages are used in different countries or regions. For example, British Sign Language (BSL) is a different language from ASL, and Americans who know ASL may not understand BSL.
What does slang ASL mean?
What else does asl mean? Asl is an internet abbreviation for age, sex, and location, usually asked as a question in romantic or sexual contexts online. It’s also used as internet slang for the intensifying expression “as hell.”
What are the disadvantages of sign language?
Using only ASL can slow the vocabulary of the deaf. Children learn language by being bombarded with it all around. If a child is not brought up in a deaf home or around many other deaf people, sign language tends to be used only when speaking with the non-hearing person.
How many signs are in ASL?
ASL possesses a set of 26 signs known as the American manual alphabet, which can be used to spell out words from the English language. Such signs make use of the 19 handshapes of ASL. For example, the signs for ‘p’ and ‘k’ use the same handshape but different orientations.
Can you learn ASL by yourself?
All in all, it is not really possible to teach yourself ASL. If you want to start holding meaningful conversations in ASL, you will need formal instruction and practice. However, it is possible to learn basics like the ASL alphabet to get a head start.
What does loud ASL mean?
«loud» American Sign Language (ASL) American Sign Language: loud. To do sign for «loud» points to (or touch) your ear and then shake your fists back and forth. «Last night the thunder and lightening was very loud and noisy!»
What is ASL full form?
The Full form of ASL is American Sign Language, or ASL stands for American Sign Language, or the full name of given abbreviation is American Sign Language.
What does Fyp mean on TikTok?
FYP stands for the “For You” page on the massively popular short video app, TikTok. FYP acts like an individual landing page for users which showcases curated videos that TikTok thinks they might watch or like.
How do you sign Jesus in ASL?
To do the sign for «Jesus,» Touch the tip of the middle finger of your dominant hand into the center of the palm of your non-dominant hand. Then touch the tip of the middle finger of your non-dominant hand into the palm of your dominant hand. Memory aide: think of the nails through His palms while on the cross.
What does rubbing belly mean in ASL?
Babies who are hungry can learn to rub their tummy like the toddler in this printable sign language guide to indicate that they want to eat food soon.
What is happy in Sign Language?
American Sign Language: «happy»
The sign for «happy» is made by placing one or both of your hands in front of you. Use «flat» hands, palms pointing back. … On the upward swing the hands are very close to your chest or touch your chest. On the downward swing your hands are further away from your chest.
What is the meaning of middle finger in sign language?
The middle finger can also be substituted for the standard hand shape of an otherwise innocuous sign. The location, orientation, and movement of the original sign are retained, with the only difference being inclusion of the middle finger. This may be done for the sake of emphasis, The non-profane form of “Understand.”
How to sign: be able to
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can — Marie Katzenbach School for the Deaf More details
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can — Marie Katzenbach School for the Deaf More details
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Can — ASL Study
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can — SMARTSign Dictionary
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can
How to sign: airtight sealed metal container for food or drink or paint etc.
can — SMARTSign Dictionary
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can — SMARTSign Dictionary
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Similiar / Same: tin can, tin
Categories: container
Within this category: beer can, caddy, cannikin, coffee can, milk can, oilcan, soda can
can
How to sign: a plumbing fixture for defecation and urination
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Potty — Linguistics Girl
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Similiar / Same: commode, crapper, potty, toilet, pot, throne, stool
Categories: plumbing fixture
Within this category: flushless toilet, flush toilet, potty seat
How to sign: be able to
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Can
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Can — Nathanael Farley
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can
How to sign: airtight sealed metal container for food or drink or paint etc.
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can — SignStation
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tin — SignStation
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Similiar / Same: tin can, tin
Categories: container
Within this category: beer can, caddy, cannikin, coffee can, milk can, oilcan, soda can