How to Say “Keep” in Sign Language

Sign language is a beautiful and expressive way of communicate for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Learning the signs for different words allows you to engage in conversations and express yourself effectively. When it comes to the word “keep,” sign language offers various ways to convey its meaning. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to sign “keep” and provide tips and examples to help you master this sign.

Formal Sign for “Keep”

The formal sign for “keep” in American Sign Language (ASL) is typically done using the “S” handshape.

Tip: To create the “S” handshape, extend your thumb and wrap your fingers around it, forming a loose fist.

To sign “keep” formally:

1. Begin with your dominant hand held up, palm facing down.
2. Create the “S” handshape with your fingers as described earlier.
3. Bring your dominant hand down, maintaining the palm-down position, and tap the back of your non-dominant hand once or twice.
4. End by returning your dominant hand to the starting position, palm down.

This formal sign for “keep” signifies the idea of holding onto something or preserving it.

Informal Sign for “Keep”

Informal signs in sign language often vary across regions and communities. Here is a commonly used informal sign in ASL for “keep”:

1. Put your dominant hand up near your non-dominant shoulder, palm facing inward.
2. Extend your thumb and little finger while keeping your other fingers loosely curled.
3. Move your hand slightly forward and back, as if rocking it.

This sign is more casual and is often used in everyday conversations among friends or within a relaxed setting.

Tips for Remembering the Signs for “Keep”

Learning new signs can sometimes be challenging, but with practice and persistence, you can become fluent. Here are some tips to remember the signs for “keep”:

• Practice regularly: Set aside time each day to practice signing. Consistency is key to building muscle memory.
• Visualize the meaning: When learning a sign, try to visualize its meaning in your mind. This can help you associate the sign with its corresponding concept.
• Use mnemonics: Associating signs with visual or auditory cues can aid memorization. For example, for the formal sign, imagine tapping on a “safety deposit box” to preserve important belongings.
• Seek feedback: Practice with someone fluent in sign language or join a sign language group where you can receive feedback and guidance on your signing skills.

Examples in Context

Understanding how to use the sign for “keep” in different contexts is crucial. Here are a few examples:

1. Example 1: When discussing keeping a secret, you can sign “keep” using the formal sign, emphasizing the idea of preservation.
2. Example 2: In a casual conversation with friends, you can use the informal sign for “keep” to express keeping a funny memory or an inside joke.
3. Example 3: Talking about a physical object you want to hold onto, such as a treasured book, you can use either the formal or informal sign for “keep,” depending on the context and level of formality.

Remember, the more you practice and incorporate signing into your daily life, the more proficient you will become. Signing “keep” is just one step towards enhancing your sign language skills and fostering better communication with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.