The sign for "chicken" in American Sign Language (ASL) is a handshape that represents the upper part of a chicken's body, typically with the thumb and index finger extended to form a beak. This handshape is called the "bird beak" and is used to show that the sign is associated with a young bird or a chicken.
To form the sign, start by bringing one hand up to your mouth, tucked in at the pinky, ring, and middle fingers, and extending the pointer finger and thumb – this is the bird beak. Then, bring the other hand up about chest height, palm up and flat, with all the fingers together – this is the ground. First, tap the pointer and thumb fingers together – this is the sign for bird and the first part of the sign for chicken. Next, bring the “bird beak” hand down to the “ground” hand and tap the pointer and thumb lightly a couple of times with the first hand onto the second hand. This sign looks like a chicken pecking the ground. Use this visual to help you remember the sign.
In context, the sign for "chicken" uses the same sign as "BIRD." Even though CHICKEN tends to use the same sign as "BIRD" – the difference in meaning is usually quite obvious from the context. If someone asks you your favorite food and you respond by signing "BIRD" — your conversation partner will assume you mean "chicken."
If you have to show a difference between "chicken" and "bird," (for example, if you are interpreting a lecture regarding different types of birds — one of which is a chicken) you can do the "beak" sign with your right hand and hold your left flat hand palm up in front of you. Then, bring the "beak" down to the left hand to represent a chicken pecking for seeds on the ground. This version is not used very widely but may be used as part of a children's story.
The sign for "chicken" can also have different regional meanings. In some regions, the sign for "chicken" can also mean "cowardly, or "You chicken!" or perhaps that is regional and not widely used? And how would you sign 'chicken coop'? Chicken, house? I have friends who raise chickens, thus all the questions.
In a message dated 9/3/2009 1:54:02 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, Rmellis5 writes: The sign for "chicken" is confusing because in SC I have seen a different sign used. Can you tell me if you have seen it and if it is correct?
Dr. Vicars, I am confused about the chicken sign. In SC I have seen a different sign used. Can you tell me if you have seen it and if it is correct? The thumb of the right hand touches the chin and the first two fingers are sticking up but slightly crooked and the last two fingers stay bent into the palm. There is also a tapping of this sign on the chin.
The sign for "chicken" can also be used to convey feelings of cowardice or to label someone as chicken-like in behavior. For example, "You chicken!" can be an insult applied to someone who is perceived as lacking courage.
If you are going to borrow from English you might as well have fun doing it. Thus, don't sign "bird" to mean that someone is "chicken" as in "afraid."
In terms of education, the use of signing is a fantastic way to introduce pre-literacy skills to children. By using signing flashcards with simple signs like "chicken," you can help children associate spoken words with manual actions, which can be a powerful tool for learning., the sign for "chicken" in ASL is a versatile sign that can have multiple meanings and uses, from food to animal to feeling of cowardice. Incorporating signing into early childhood education can be a fun and effective way to enhance language development.
