Basic Sign Language Signs and Meanings

  Sign Language Hand Gestures What are the odds that even though you may never have seen sign language, you actually know a few words? Quite high, actually! It happens all the time. We’re a world that loves words, languages, and visual cues. In the United States, English speakers use different languages all the time. When we say things like "pizza," "deja vu," and "et cetera," we’ve borrowed words from other languages and made them part of our common vocabulary. How the Sandwich Was Invented JOANNE HAYLE 0:00 / 0:10 Sign language, on the other hand, is entirely visual. It’s all about gesturing, miming, and using body language. People who use their hands when speaking often don’t realize that some of the gestures they're using are also signs. So, what are some signs you know—even if you don't realize it? Some of what I include here will probably make you want to smack me. After all, several are quite obvious. However, they are words that are an impo...