The hold sign is a fundamental gesture in American Sign Language (ASL), serving a variety of purposes related to grasping, carrying, supporting, and interacting with objects. This sign is commonly used to express that someone or something is being held, whether it is a person, an object, or a concept.
Sign Description
The hold sign is composed of the index finger and thumb of the dominant hand extended upward, forming a circle around the thumb. This motion is similar to a shaking motion, and it is accompanied by a slight raising of the upper eyelids, which indicates a mental engagement or emphasis on the action being described. In ASL, the thumb always points forward, whether the hand is flat or inverted.
Pronunciation
The hold sign ispronounced as follows:
- "HOLD" as the primary sign name.
Meaning
The hold sign has multiple meanings in ASL, depending on the context in which it is used. Some of the most common uses include:
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Grasp: When used to describe the action of taking something in the hand, such as holding a beverage, food, or a tool, the hold sign is pronounced as "hold."
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Carry: In the context of physically transporting something, the sign is pronounced as "hold," and it often involves a hand movement that looks like a small circle created with the fingers of the dominant hand while the wrist and arm move in a circular motion.
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Support: In the context of supporting an object or person, the sign is used with the back of the hand against the object, and it is typically accompanied by a slight raise of the upper eyelids to communicate understanding or concern.
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Secure: In the context of preventing something from falling or escaping, the sign is used with the fingers of both hands pressed lightly together, creating a tightly closed configuration.
Phrases and Related Words
The hold sign is part of a larger set of signs in ASL that are used to describe various interactions involving grasping, carrying, and supporting. Some examples of phrases and related words include:
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hold off: To pause or delay an action, often used to express stopping something that is happening or delaying doing something until a later time.
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hold breath: To pause breathing temporarily, often associated with performing a specific action or holding one's breath.
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inhaler hold: A phrase used to hold breath specifically to inhale through a nebulizer or inhaler.
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clutch: A related sign that involves a stronger grip, often used to describe the actions of holding onto something tightly, such as a steering wheel or a backpack strap.
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grip strength: An assessment of the force applied by the hands when holding objects, often used to describe the tightness or looseness with which something is held.
Historical or Cultural Context
The hold sign has been used in American Sign Language since its inception, and it is deeply rooted in the cultural and historical context of the deaf community. Historically, deaf people relied heavily on sign language as their primary means of communication, and the hold sign has become a symbol of unity and shared experience among deaf individuals.
Controversy or Discussion
There is some debate about the proper way to use the hold sign in ASL. Some argue that the gesture should be used to indicate a physical grasp or contact, while others believe that it should be used to convey a more mental or emotional connection. However, it is widely accepted and understood across the deaf community that the hold sign refers to any action of grasping, carrying, or supporting an object or person.
****, the hold sign is a crucial element of American Sign Language, serving a diverse set of purposes related to grasping, carrying, supporting, and interacting with objects. Its simplicity and universality make it a popular and effective gesture for conveying information about holding in ASL.
