Since the fourth century, when Spanish monks first started signing to communicate during their vows of silence, sign language has been used in religious communities of all faiths. Present-day American Sign Language (ASL) carries on that tradition. Like any living language, it continues to grow and change to meet the communication needs of an ever more diverse religious population. This comprehensive guide, newly revised, updated, and expanded, gives you all the vocabulary you need to communicate effectively in any religious setting. From Alleluia to Zizith, more than 750 signs and their specific meanings Large, clear, upper-torso illustrations that show the corresponding movements of hands, body, and face Easy-to-follow instructions to help you master the art of expressing signs A complete index for quick access to any sign With an essential section of religious "name signs," the addition of signs for the Muslim faith, and an expanded selection of favorite verses, prayers, and blessings, this book is an indispensable resource for signers of all denominations. Written with expertise by an educator and author associated with the field of deafness for more than thirty years, it makes communicating by ASL in a religious setting simple and easy, no matter your level of experience.

Dr. Elaine Costello has been an educator and author associated with the field of deafness for more than twenty years. For ten years she was a classroom teacher and supervisor in schools for the deaf. She is now the director and editor in chief of the Gallaudet College Press at Gallaudet College in Washington, D.C., the world's only liberal arts college for the deaf.

SIGN ENTRIES

ABIDE (A)

This sign indicates a place where one is to remain or stay for a period of time.

Formation: Move the right Y hand, palm facing down, downward in front of the right side of the body with a deliberate movement.

Same sign for STAY

ABIDE (B) See LIVE

ABOVE, OVER

The hand moves to a position above the other hand and symbolizes the area on high from where God rules the world.

Formation: Starting with the palm of the right open hand lying on the back of the left open hand, elbows out and palms facing down, bring the right hand upward in a spiraling movement.

ABRAHAM, IBRAHIM (Hebrew)

The formation of this sign represents God staying Abraham’s arm as he raised the knife to slay his son Isaac.

Formation: The right A hand, palm facing left, is brought deliberately down at a forward angle from in front of the right shoulder. The left C hand, palm up, moves upward to clasp the right forearm and stop it abruptly as it descends.

ABSOLUTION (A)

This sign is a combination of ANNOUNCE and FORGIVE signifying the declaratory statement that sins are forgiven after confession or penance.

Formation: Start with both extended index fingers touching each side of the mouth, palms facing in. Twist the wrists to bring the fingers outward past the shoulders, palms facing forward and fingers pointing upward at an angle. Then brush the fingers of the right open hand across the palm of the left open hand from heel to the fingers with a repeated movement.

ABSOLUTION (B) See BLESS (A)(B), FORGIVE

ABSTAIN See FAST (A)

ABUNDANT (A), BOUNTY, PLENTY

The hands indicate a cup that is full and overflowing.

Formation: Push the palm of the right open hand, palm down and fingers pointing forward, across the thumb side of the left S hand, palm right, curving the hand downward as it goes over the left index finger.

Related forms: ABUNDANCE, ABUNDANTLY, BOUNTIFUL, PLENTIFUL

ABUNDANT (B), BOUNTIFUL

The hands in this sign seem to hold a large quantity.

Formation: Beginning with the fingertips of both curved hands touching in front of the body, palms facing each other, bring the hands outward to in front of each side of the chest.

Related form: ABUNDANCE

Same sign for A LOT

ACCOMPLISH See FULFILL

ACCUSE, AT FAULT, BLAME

This is a directional sign that seems to push responsibility or blame at whomever it is directed.

Formation: Move the right A hand, palm left and thumb extended upward, in a downward arc toward the referent across the back of the left open hand, palm down.

Note: If you are the one being accused, direct the right thumb back toward oneself. The left hand may be an S hand instead of an open hand.

ACKNOWLEDGE See CONFESS (A)

ACQUIRE See OBTAIN

ADAM (A)

This is an initialized sign in the masculine position and signifies Adam’s position as the first man.

Formation: Touch the right temple with the thumb of the right hand, palm facing forward.

ADAM (B)

This is the Islamic sign for Adam, the father of humankind and God’s first prophet. In Islam, Adam is considered God’s ?vice-?regent (caliph) on earth.

Formation: Move the right B hand, palm facing left and fingers pointing up, upward in front of the right shoulder.

ADMIT See CONFESS

ADMONISH, WARN

The sign represents a slap on the wrist as a warning.

Formation: Slap the back of the left open hand with the fingers of the right open hand, both palms facing down.

Related forms: ADMONITION, WARNING

ADORE See WORSHIP

ADULTERY (A)

This is an initialized sign and the movement indicates the alternating attention that an unfaithful married person gives his or her spouse and then another person outside the marriage

Formation: Tap the heel of the right A hand,

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Excerpted from Religious Signing: A Comprehensive Guide for All Faiths by Elaine Costello
All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.