Male & Female Signs

All of the “male” signs are near, or at the forehead. All of the “female” signs, are near, or at the chin. I always tell my students that the reason for the “male” signs by the forehead is because of their brains. The “female” signs are near the chin (mouth) because they talk a lot. THIS IS NOT TRUE, but it garners some degree of levity, but more importantly, it enhances retention of the lesson. Additionally, I’ll explain that American Sign Language is a derivative of French Sign Language. When the groaning and laughter subsides, I’ll explain truthfully, that the “male” signs by the forehead represent the brim of a baseball cap. The “female” signs near, or at the chin, are so because of the French bonnet. Now you know why “male” and “female” signs are placed where they are.

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