TEXT, TEXTING in sign language

In addition to videophone on devices, texting is the most common use of mobile phone communication for deaf signers.

ASL sign for "text"

How to sign "text" or "texting" in American Sign Language:

Meaning: send a messaging text via mobile phone, cell phone, or PDA; SMS.

Pronunciation (sign description): With both "10" hands with the palms facing each other and in contact, the thumbs flick twice simultaneously, sometimes alternately.

Vocabulary

Related signs: SEND (see one of the variations), PHONE.

Deaf Awareness

Did you know that registered deaf people can call 911 by text for EMERGENCY in Canada and in some regions in the U.S.? This T911 service is available only to registered deaf phone owners.

ILY in texting — I Love You in texting icons. Source: handspeak.com

Did you know that there is a ASL/Deaf culture emoticon in texting? Search by typing "ILY" in an text messaging app and it may convert into an ILY icon.

When you as a hearing person ask a deaf person for their phone number for a service, they usually give you their phone numbers with the note of texting only. Make sure you write down "TEXT ONLY - deaf", especially when you give them to other hearing people such as technicians or representatives. One of some peeves for deaf signers about hearing people that hearing representatives make phone calls, ignoring or missing the "text" notes.

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Search Tips and Pointers

Search/Filter: Enter a keyword in the filter/search box to see a list of available words with the "All" selection. Click on the page number if needed. Click on the blue link to look up the word. For best result, enter a partial word to see variations of the word.

Screenshot of dictionary search with notes — Screenshot of the search dictionary

Alphabetical letters: It's useful for 1) a single-letter word (such as A, B, etc.) and 2) very short words (e.g. "to", "he", etc.) to narrow down the words and pages in the list.

For best result, enter a short word in the search box, then select the alphetical letter (and page number if needed), and click on the blue link.

Screenshot of dictionary search with notes — Screenshot of the search dictionary

Don't forget to click "All" back when you search another word with a different initial letter.

If you cannot find (perhaps overlook) a word but you can still see a list of links, then keep looking until the links disappear! Sharpening your eye or maybe refine your alphabetical index skill. :)

Add a Word: This dictionary is not exhaustive; ASL signs are constantly added to the dictionary. If you don't find a word/sign, you can send your request (only if a single link doesn't show in the result).

Videos: The first video may be NOT the answer you're looking for. There are several signs for different meanings, contexts, and/or variations. Browsing all the way down to the next search box is highly recommended.

Video speed: Signing too fast in the videos? See HELP in the footer.

ASL has its own grammar and structure in sentences that works differently from English. For plurals, verb inflections, word order, etc., learn grammar in the "ASL Learn" section. For search in the dictionary, use the present-time verbs and base words. If you look for "said", look up the word "say". Likewise, if you look for an adjective word, try the noun or vice versa. E.g. The ASL signs for French and France are the same. If you look for a plural word, use a singular word.