TEXT in sign language

This word entry contains ASL signs for "text" and word-related art.

ASL signs for "text"

How to sign "text" in American Sign Language (ASL).

Definition: a book or other written or printed work, regarded in terms of its content rather than its physical form; the words that make up the main part of a book, magazine, newspaper, Web site, etc.

Pronunciation (sign description): Fingerspelling.

Related signs: CONTENT, BOOK, WORK, SUBJECT MATTER.

Descriptive/classifier.

Meaning (textbook): a book as a standard book of instruction used by students for the study of a particular subject.

Related signs: TEXT (SMS) is when you send text messages.

Deaf Art

The Photocalligraphy series by literary media artist Jolanta Lapiak depict a trace of text in ASL.

ASL/Deaf art
"Photocalligraphy: there is no outside of the text. (2008)" by Jolanta Lapiak

The artist translates one of philosopher Jacques Derrida's well-known quotes "there is no outside of the text" into ASL and captured the trace of movements on the camera.

The artist translated a selected English text into ASL and captured the movement of ASL into a digital image. This process refers to Derridean arche-writing and grammatology.

Written ASL

[Note: ASL writing is not an official standard. This sign language writing remains in a state of open space to allow room for experiment, evolution, and improvement.]

ASL written for TEXT

Written ASL digit for "text" contributed by Adrean Clark in the ASLwrite community, 2017.

Ad-free Patron: To remove ads or/and unlock premium content, subscribe today or learn more about the features.

~~ Feeling lucky? ¯\(°_o)/¯ Random word ~~

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.