DOOR in sign language

Definition: A movable, usually solid, barrier for opening and closing an entranceway.

Pronunciation (sign description): Two upright "B" hands with their palms facing outward are held together at the edges of the hands. The dominant hand twists outward at the wrist twice while the non-dominant hand remains stationary.

Related signs

DOORWAY, OPENING, GATE, PORTAL, HATCH.

Parts of the door: DOORBELL, DOOR FRAME, DOORKNOB/HANDLE.

Baby signing DOOR

Watch the time-lapse video which shows how the baby acquires the signwords and concepts associated with DOOR in language development and phonological development.

At age 1;8, the baby Juli signed the ASL word "DOOR" and pointed to it (or was she asking whether it was a door?). Age 1;1, Juli commented that "the door is stuck". Age 2;4, she requested her grandmother to close the door and confirmed, "yes". Age 4, Juli posed a hypothetical question: "If bad people come, what would you do? (Rhetorical question with raised eyebrows.) Lock the door. (With the intonation of emphasis.)"

Deaf Culture and Hearing Culture

Hearing people can talk through a door. On the other hand, Deaf signers can chat through a window with another signing interlocutor whether it's inside/outside a train, a building, a car, etc. Explore the concept of Window and Door cultures.

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 written for DOOR

Written ASL digit for "DOOR" contributed by the ASLwrite community, 2018.

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