LINKS: Numbers 1-10 /
11-20 /
21-30
/
31-40
/
41-99 /
100-900 / 1000
and up /
Fractions
/
Numbers Chart
Below you will find a collection of various information
regarding signing numbers in ASL.
To see examples of the number signs, visit the links above.
Numbers Discussion:
Bill's first rule of doing numbers: If it hurts, don't do it.
Your hand should be held in a comfortable position.
Try this: Lift your hand into the air in front of your torso.
Don't worry about trying to point your hand "exactly" straight ahead or
straight back.
Just adjust your palm orientation until you feel the least stress and the
most comfort. Find that "comfortable position." Now you are ready to start
doing your numbers.
If you are taking a sign language class from an in-person instructor who
prefers you do the numbers a certain way, by all means follow the guidance
of your local instructor! The version(s) I show you on this website
are (in general) very good versions. Your local instructor
however should be familiar with any local versions that might be more
appropriate for your area. Or if you notice the Deaf people in your
area tending to do it one way or the other, follow their lead.
In the pages here I'll be sharing with you some specific rules for how to
do the numbers.
For example, "When done in isolation, numbers 1 through 5 are generally done
palm back."
Try to stay flexible though because there are often exceptions to those
rules.
For example in I just told you that "When done in isolation, numbers 1
through 5 are generally done palm back." (Which is to say, the palm of your
hand is facing back toward you.") However if those numbers are part of
a series (such as a phone number) they are instead done palm forward.
Thus it depends on the circumstances.
I once watched Randal King,
an excellent native signer give an example of circumstances when numbers and
"day signs" (such as Monday, Tuesday, etc.) might be done palm forward.
He roleplayed (kidding around) an "arrogant" individual and signed a phrase
to a pretend employee. He told the "employee" that he wanted the
employee finish
a report and turn it in - "and I want it on Monday!!!" The last two signs
in his sentence were, WANT MONDAY!!! As Randal signed Monday, he
extended his arm outward toward the person he was signing to and did the
sign MONDAY palm forward (instead of palm back) using a strong motion and strong facial
expression.
Thus we see that some signs that are normally done palm back (or up) are
occasionally done palm forward for emphasis.
I might do the sign for "3" palm forward to someone if for some reason I
wanted to emphasize the number.
However, exceptions are exactly that, "exceptions." Stick with the
general rules but stay flexible.
Questions and answers:
Daniel: Do I read the pictures right? Is the sign for "2" and
the sign for "V" the same?
DrVicars: Yes, 2 and "V" use the same handshape. However, when
done as an isolated number the number 2 is generally done palm facing
backward.
In normal conversation mixed letters and numbers are not an issue.
Context generally makes it clear.
For example, my last name: "Vicars," you wouldn't misunderstand that as
"2icars."
Sure, in some situations it might be more challenging.
Suppose you were fingerspelling your screen name to someone and it had some
numbers mixed in with the letters.
One way to deal with "2" and "V" is to sign the letter palm forward and the
number palm back.
To differentiate 6/W and 9/F you can use internal motion in the number. For
example -- the number "6" -- you can tap the pinkie on the thumb a couple
times and it is obvious it is a 6 and not a "W." The number "9" you can tap
the tip of the index finger on the thumb.
Another way I've seen takes place in some corporate or academic environments
where the signers might have to frequently communicate long strings of mixed
letters and numbers is to do the letters normally, but place the numbers up
against the palm of the non-dominant hand.
- Dr. Bill
Sharp: I found it difficult to sign the letter F am I trying to
straighten the fingers too much?
DrVicars: I only straighten the pinkie and ring fingers when doing
an "F" or "9." I let the middle
bend half-way. Does that help?
Sharp: Thanks.
See:
Numbers 1-10
Advanced number discussion:
DrVicars: When you sign numbers, you do them quite similar to the way
they are said in English. For example: If you are signing "1997," you sign
"19" then "97."
If you do a phone number, just do it as you would say it. I leave a small pause where the
hyphen would be so the watcher can write the first part (if they are writing it down), before I do
the second part.
Years:
You'll still see a bit of variety for the years 2000 - 2009.
Most people do the individual numbers while sliding the hand
slightly to the right. For example showing a two-zero-zero-zero for
the year 2000.
The number 2009 is two-zero-zero-nine all in one smooth movement sliding
slightly to the ourside.
You may see variations, but that is the way I recommend you sign the years
2000-2009. I have on occasion observed a few of my friends using the
"thousand" sign as part of the sign for years 2000 and up, but I don't
recommend you use the "thousand" sign for "years."
Numbering for Lefties:
For lefties: Most numbers are either signed without sideward movement or with only a very slight movement further to the
left. (Again, I'm discussing how left handed people do numbers. I know someone is going to "miss that" and run around
saying that Dr. V said such and such. Wake up.)
For example: The number "57" is commonly held in place as it changes from a "5" into a "7." For lefties it would also be
okay to use a very small leftward movement as you change from a 5 to a 7--but why waste energy?
For Lefties: Double numbers: 22, 33, 44, 55, ... start palm forward and a bit downward (45% angle), slap downward, come
up and move to the left in a small arc (toward the outside) and slap downward again.
Numbering for Lefties:
Numbers 21, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29:
Start with an "L" handshape and move slightly to the left (or simply "do in place" without moving to the left) and then do the
next digit. For example, "24" would look like "L4"
Notes: The number 21 tends to move the thumb twice, for example "L1L1" and/or hold it pointing somewhat forward at an angle
as if shooting a gun (the thumb looking somewhat like the hammer of a pistol coming down twice). It is also common to instead
move the index finger as if "pulling a trigger" twice.
General notes:
The number 23 uses a palm-forward "3 handshape" and wiggles the middle finger downward a couple times.
The number 25 uses a palm-forward "5 handshape" and wiggles the middle finger downward a couple times.
The numbers 6-9 are palm forward.
16 - 19 use a palm back (or side) to palm forward twist.
The numbers 30 on up are palm forward.
The repeated digits like 33, 44, 55, etc. are palm forward but slap
downward twice.
111 - 113 start palm forward and turn backward for the second part of
the sign.