The sign for "family" is based on a general circle movement that applies to similar signs such as: family, class, group, and team. You show the difference between these signs by using initialization (use the first letter of the represented word as the handshape for the sign).
To sign "family" form "F" hands and use the hands to trace the shape of a circle. As if representing a family sitting around a dinner table.
FAMILY:
0:00 / 0:00
FAMILY DEAF? = "Is anyone in your family Deaf?"
0:00 / 0:00
CLASS: As in, I can't wait to go to Dr. Bill's ASL class!"
(Can also be used for "category.")
0:00 / 0:00
Note: If you do the sign CLASS with "looser" fingers, it can mean a "general group of things." I call this the "CLUSTER" sign. It is often used to show plurality or to show a "group of things."
GROUP:
TEAM:
0:00 / 0:00
Also see: CLUSTER
Notes:
Where this sign is taught:
Taught in Lesson 03.Reviewed in lessons: 11, 15, 16, 24, 27, 30, 31, 33, 41, 45
Practice sentences using this sign:
FAMILY DEAF? (Is anyone in your family deaf?)YOUR FAMILY ANY DEAF? (Is anyone in your family deaf?)
YOUR FAMILY ANY LIBRARY+PERSON? (Is anyone in your family a librarian?)
PICTURE YOUR FAMILY YOU HAVE? (Do you have a picture of your family?)
YOUR FAMILY, LAST CHILD WHO? (Who was the last child in your family?)
YOUR FAMILY, COOK MOST WHO? (Who does most of the cooking in your family?)
YOUR FAMILY, WHO OTHER-[else] SIGN?
YOUR FAMILY, WHO WASH-DISHES?
YOUR FAMILY ANY MEASURE+AGENT-[engineer]? (Are there any engineers in your family?)
YEAR-AGO YOU GO FAMILY gather-to-MEETING-[single-movement="reunion"]?
... and 2 more practice sentences use this sign.