Just like British and American English, Sign languages are not universal. What that means is that there is not one single sign language for all deaf people around the world. There are many different sign languages. Each deaf community can develop its own sign language. Usually, there is a difference in each country. That is why learning sign language can seem a little tricky. But still, there is always this concern of being insensitive generally to disabled individuals, especially to your deaf relatives. This is where learning this language is very important. In this modern century, there are no restrictions on who you can get close to or love. So when you’re either dating or close to a deaf person, how do you say “I love you in sign language?”
Hand Sign Language For I Love You
The main difference between sign languages and spoken languages is the mode of communication. While sign languages use hand and body movements to form signs, spoken languages use sounds to form words.
So what then is sign language?
Basically, it is an informal expression or a way of communicating with someone without necessarily using words. It can be a message of hope or an expression of positive feelings; negative feelings inclusive.
Although learning to communicate with your partner through sign language is a little difficult, once you start, you’d get the hang of it.
The Origin
The origin of the ‘I Love You’ sign is unknown. Since it was originally utilized in 1976 by Richard Dawson, the host of the Family Feud television program, in each episode, it has been known to be used by Deaf individuals in the United States and has received a lot of media attention. As a result, it has been used in the public for more than 40 years.
“I Love You” is abbreviated as “ILY.” The shape of these three letters can be expressed with a single hand figure using their American Sign Language fingerspelling correspondence, as shown here:
The symbol should not be confused with the sign of the horns’ or the ” devil horns,” which are widely heard in heavy metal music. The ILY symbol is unique in that it additionally extends the thumb:
Sign Language for I Love You Too
Saying I love you too is pretty easy though. First of all, you’d start by pointing at yourself with your index finger. Then, you’d make a first with both your hands. When you’ve don’t do that, cross them together on your chest. Finally, point to the person you’re referring to. Easy peasy right?
SIGN LANGUAGE FOR I LOVE YOU MORE
How do you say I love you more? Well, you’d start by gesturing or pointing at yourself. Then, you’d make a heart with both hands on your chest. Finally, the point at the person you are referring to. Fun right?
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE FOR I LOVE YOU
To say I love you in ASL? First off, stick out your thumb and index finger to form an “L”. After doing that, lift your little finger. But remember to keep the thumb and index finger extended. Then, ensure your middle and ring finger keep touching your palm. Finally, direct your hand towards the person you are talking to.
JAPANESE SIGN LANGUAGE FOR I LOVE YOU
Your thumb and index finger together form an L, while your little finger forms an I. In addition, your thumb and little finger are expressing a Y. So if you combine all three handshapes, you get I-L-Y for I love you. That is how you say I love you in Japanese sign language.
HOW TO SAY I LOVE YOU IN SIGN LANGUAGE
The sign for “I love you” is a combination of the fingerspelled letters I, L, and Y. Your thumb and index finger together form an L. While your little finger forms an I. In addition, your thumb and little finger are expressing a Y. So if you combine all three handshapes, you get I-L-Y for I love you. Fascinating, isn’t it?
However which hand do you use, the left or the right?
For signs like I love you that use only one hand, you would typically use the hand you also write with. So in case you are left-handed, you would normally use your left hand for signing “I love you”. That’s it, plain and simple.
In conclusion, when you are dealing with a deaf individual- a friend, relative, or partner, try and be a little sensitive and patient. If you need more advice, leave a comment down below
Frequently asked Questions
What does the letter I-L-Y stand for?
The sign meaning “I love you” is a finger-spelled combination of the letters I, L, and Y. The letter L is formed by combining your thumb and index finger, while the letter I is formed by your little finger. A “Y” is also expressed with your thumb and little finger. So, if you put all three handshapes together, you get I-L-Y, which stands for I love you. Isn’t it fascinating?
Is it better to sign I love you with my left or right hand?
When making signs with only one hand, such as I love you, you should usually use the same hand that you write with. If you are left-handed, you would generally sign “I love you” with your left hand.
