Signs for DEAF

How to sign "deaf" in American Sign Language, including "profoundly deaf" or "stone deaf". Understand the difference between "deaf" and "Deaf". Plus, a link to one of some all-favorite stories, "Deaf or Dead". A true, goose-bumping story.

Printable ASL sign for DEAF — Printable

"My eye is my ear. My hand is my mouth." -- Meme, 2000s.

ASL signs for DEAF

Here is a few variations in American Sign Language with one being the most common sign.

Meaning: Partially or wholly lacking or deprived of the sense of hearing; unable to hear.

Pronunciation/articulation: Tip of dominant forefinger points to the ear and then to the tip of mouth.

Did you know that this ASL word is technically "deaf-mute"? In fact, many Deaf people are unaware of its origin; however, it remains to mean "deaf" nevertheless. In English, the word or use of "deaf-mute" is unacceptable. It's only allowed in ASL, which simply means "deaf".

Phonological variation. It's less used by Deaf signers than hearing signers.

Pronunciation/articulation: Tip of dominant forefinger points to the tip of mouth and then to the ear.

Old ASL sign (found in older generations prior to about mid-20th century): nearly obsolete.

Pronunciation/articulation: Tip of dominant forefinger points to the ear and then two "B" hands (palms down) converges together.

Profoundly deaf

Meaning: Profoundly or completely deaf; as deaf as stone; very deaf; not hearing at all.

Profoundly or completely deaf in both ears. Stone Deaf.

Used by Deaf signers and sometimes codas only. Hearing signers using this sign may look awkward or somehow culturally inappropriate.

Pronunciation/articulation: Thumb of dominant "10" handshape in contact with the ear transforms into "5" handshape as its fingers move backward.

As seen out in the wild. [Video courtesy of Jonathan Pokorny (coda), 2018.]

Cultural Awareness

Note that the term HEARING-IMPAIRED is oppressive, inappropriate, and unacceptable. Use "deaf" instead. Hearing professionals made this decision in the 1980s without consulting Deaf community and Deaf people.

What is the difference between "deaf" and "Deaf"?

Generally, the term "deaf" with the lower case "d" is an audiological term, meaning not hearing, whereas, the word "Deaf" with the capital letter "D" refers to deaf people who are members of Deaf community, speak ASL (or other signed language) as their primary language, and are enculturated with Deaf culture and Deafhood.

Vocabulary

Related signs: Deaf people and sign language are inseparable, ASL (American Sign Language, Deaf culture, Deaf community, Deaf world, Deaf Gain, DEAFHOOD, deafness, deafened, CODA (children of Deaf parent/s).

Opposite: hearing.

ASL Storytelling

For a goose-bumping true story, enjoy the video story "Deaf or Dead" by Jolanta Lapiak.

Usage/Grammar

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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 writing for DEAF

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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.

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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.

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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.