turkey

TURKEY: (As in, we eat "turkey" on Thanksgiving.)
Hold a "Q" under or near your chin. Wiggle it a couple times as if it were a "wattle." (And in case you were wondering, a wattle is the reddish thing that hangs off a turkey's neck.)

In a message dated 2/4/2007 8:07:59 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, Glopsey writes:

Small question:

I know the "official" sign for turkey using the Q shaped hand. One professor of mine used an alternative that all other deaf professors say is more of a labeling sign. Make a 5 shape with your left. Make an A with your right take the pinky side of your A hand and press it to the palm of your left 5 shape. It looks like a turkey. I prefer this sign, but the others (or as you said in your sight, "Purists") don't like it. I think it's cute! What's your take on it?

Thanks much!

Sara

ASL student (not majoring, just for fun!!!)

I love that sign!
It is a clever use of the language. I wouldn't use it for serious communication, but it is a lot of fun.
By the way, let me modify your description a bit. The left or (non-dominant) hand is a "five" handshape, the right hand is an "I" handshape. You press the thumb side of the "I" handshape up against the palm of the left hand. The left-hand represents the tail feathers. The pinkie of the right hand represents the neck and head.
--Bill

In a message dated 3/25/2007 10:41:38 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, thundertree@ writes:

Hi Bill,

How are you doing so far? I hope you're doing well. I was asked what the sign for a country named "Turkey"? I have seen it a few times but forgotten. Do you know?

~*~RaVen~*~

Hi RaVen,
It is a modified "C" hand on the middle of the forehead. You make a "C" with just the thumb and index finger, sort of like signing "moon" on your forehead. It represents the crescent moon that is on the Turkish flag.
Cordially,
Bill