EMAIL in sign language

"How do you say 'email' or 'e-mail' in American Sign Language (ASL)?" In addition to these signs, fingerspelling is also commonly used in some contexts.

ASL verb for email

There are two phonological versions (not in the order). The verb can be inflected to agree with the subject/object in grammar.

Pronunciation (sign description): Dominant index finger in front of the non-dominant "C" handshape, close to the palm, both palms facing each other, the dominant forefinger swings once at the wrist sideways/outward.

Grammar: The movement in the opposite direction indicates "EMAIL-ME", where the dash means one (ASL) word, not "EMAIL ME" (two signed words).

Plural verb: The movement may be repeated twice or more, depending on the expression of meaning. E.g. in ASL glossed as: PAST+NIGHT, /\MY fs-EMAIL ADDRESS/\ IX-me 2h-PUT-on MY WEBSITE, conj-WRONG, EMAIL-ME++++. English translation: "Last night, I placed my email address on my website; regrettably, I got a lot of (spam) emails."

Meaning: To send an email.

Phonological variation (sign description): Dominant bent hand with extended thumb in front of the non-dominant "C" handshape, close to the palm, both palms facing each other, the dominant hand swings once at the wrist sideways/outward.

ASL noun

Meaning: A system for sending and receiving messages electronically over a computer network.

Phonological variation (sign description): Dominant bent hand with extended thumb in front of the non-dominant "C" handshape, close to the palm, both palms facing each other, the dominant hand swings twice at the wrist sideways/outward.

Variation.

Pronunciation (sign description): Dominant index finger in front of the non-dominant "C" handshape, close to the palm, both palms facing each other, the dominant forefinger swings twice at the wrist sideways/outward.

Sometimes the movement is once when compounded with other word in sentences. E.g. EMAIL + ADDRESS. It's not something a native/fluent Deaf signers are conscious of the natural linguistic processing.

Vocabulary

Related signs: INTERNET, CORRESPONDENCE, REPLY.

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