Signs for PRIVILEGE

So many signs to use in different contexts or how you want to convey a particular concept.

Definition: an opportunity to do something special or enjoyable.

E.g. first class travel benefits.

Multiple signs in contexts below refer to the definition as "a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group of people" as in "hearing privilege", "white privilege", etc. Those signs below are often accompanied with other words such as "hearing", "white", etc.

E.g. a hearing person takes an advantage of something that a Deaf person wasn't given the opportunity or same access.

Meaning: Used in "hearing privilege". It refers to how a hearing person is allowed to be privileged.

Used in "hearing privilege". It refers to how a hearing person is enabled in life or is allowed to be privileged.

Variation, less commonly used: Dominant "V" handshape. Not as commonly used as the "1" handshape.

Another semantic variation. E.g. A privileged person doesn't feel or realize their privileges, living a life without recognizing them. [Video contributed by Mateo Bonn, 2017.]

Remember that these signs are used in compound with other words. E.g. "hearing privilege".

Conceptually derived from "hearing first". Neologism explored by Sarah Stadnicki, February 2020.

Related signs: ADVANTAGE, BENEFIT.

Deaf Culture and tidbits

Allyship

What is hearing privilege and some examples?

Learn how to be part of allyship if you are hearing. And, the term "allyship" is used instead of "ally".

Ad-free Patron

To remove ads or/and unlock premium content, subscribe today or learn more about the features.

Feeling lucky? (random word)

Basic word starters: learn / ASL / sign language / alphabet / love / I love you / please / thank you / welcome...

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.

Grammar: 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.

Inflection: Many ASL words, especially verbs, in the dictionary are a "base"; be aware that many of them are grammatically inflectable within ASL sentences. Some entries have sentence examples.

Variation: Some ASL signs have regional (and generational) variations across North America. Some common variations are included as much as possible, but for specifically local variations, interact with your local community to learn their local variations.

Contextual meaning: Some ASL signs in the dictionary may not mean the same in different contexts and/or ASL sentences. You will see some examples in video sentences.

ASL is very much alive and indefinitely constructable as any spoken language. The best way to use ASL right is to immerse in daily language interactions and conversations with Deaf/Ameslan people (or ASLians).