How to Say Sister and Brother in Sign Language

Sign language is a beautiful and expressive way to communicate, and whether you have a sister or a brother, it’s wonderful to be able to say their titles using signs. In this guide, we’ll explore how to say sister and brother in sign language, including formal and informal ways. While there are some regional variations, we’ll mainly focus on the widely used signs. Let’s dive in!

Formal Ways

When it comes to formal sign language, there are specific signs that are recognized worldwide. These signs convey respect and are recommended for use in more formal settings, such as when meeting new people or in formal presentations.

Sign for Sister:

• Hold your non-dominant hand flat, palm up and fingers extended.
• Take your dominant hand and make a C-shape.
• Place your C-shaped dominant hand near your non-dominant hand, touching or almost touching the palm of your non-dominant hand.
• Move your C-shaped hand in a curved motion downwards.

Sign for Brother:

• Hold your non-dominant hand flat, palm up and fingers extended.
• Take your dominant hand and make a B-shape by extending your thumb and pinky finger, while keeping your other fingers tucked in.
• Place your B-shaped dominant hand near your non-dominant hand, touching or almost touching the palm of your non-dominant hand.
• Move your B-shaped hand in a curved motion downwards.

Remember to maintain a relaxed yet precise movement while signing. Practice these signs slowly at first and gradually increase your speed to make them more fluid.

Informal Ways

In informal sign language, there is more room for variation and creativity. Informal signs are often used within families and close circles, allowing for personal touches and individual preferences.

Sign for Sister:

• Point towards yourself with your non-dominant hand, palm facing up.
• Take your dominant hand, make the letter S-shape by extending your thumb and pinky finger while keeping your other fingers tucked in.
• Place your S-shaped dominant hand on the side of your non-dominant hand.
• Move your S-shaped hand in a small circular motion.

Sign for Brother:

• Extend your non-dominant hand, palm facing down, fingertips pointing away from you.
• Take your dominant hand, make the letter B-shape by extending your thumb and pinky finger, while keeping your other fingers tucked in.
• Place your B-shaped dominant hand on the back of your non-dominant hand.
• Move your B-shaped hand slightly forward and backward.

Informal signs often have more fluid motions and provide an opportunity for personal style. Feel free to adapt the movements to make them unique while still maintaining the general idea of the sign.

Tips and Examples

1. Practice Makes Perfect: Learning sign language takes time and practice, so be patient with yourself. Take it slow and practice regularly to improve your signing skills.

2. Facial Expressions: Facial expressions play a crucial role in sign language as they convey emotions and nuances. Pay attention to your facial expressions while signing to ensure effective communication.

3. Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact with the person you are communicating with while signing, as it shows respect and engagement.

4. Consult Regional Resources: If you are interested in regional variations, local sign language dictionaries or websites can provide insights into specific signs used in different areas.

Example: In some regions, the sign for sister may include lightly tapping your chin with your middle finger instead of the curved motion downwards.

5. Ask Native Signers: If you have the opportunity to meet native signers or members of the deaf community, don’t hesitate to ask them for guidance. They can provide valuable insights and further enrich your understanding of sign language.