ASL LOVE
🤟 How to sign
To sign "Good Afternoon" in American Sign Language (ASL), first sign "GOOD" with your dominant hand in a flat handshape touching your chin, then moving forward and down into your non-dominant palm. Follow immediately with "AFTERNOON" by placing your dominant forearm on top of your non-dominant hand with fingers pointing slightly downward.
📖 Word definition
A polite greeting or farewell used during the afternoon hours, typically from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, expressing good wishes for that time period.
🎯 Detailed Hand Movement Guide
- Hand Shape: Flat hand for "GOOD," then forearm and flat hand for "AFTERNOON."
- Starting Position: Dominant hand touches chin for "GOOD," then moves to rest on non-dominant hand.
- Movement: Forward and down motion for "GOOD," then static position for "AFTERNOON."
- Path: Smooth transition from chin to palm, then forearm placement on horizontal hand.
- Hand Orientation: Palm faces up for receiving hand, forearm points slightly downward.
- Facial Expression: Pleasant, friendly expression with slight smile appropriate for greeting.
⚠️ Common Mistakes & What to Avoid
❌ Wrong time reference: Don't confuse with "MORNING" (forearm up) or "EVENING" (forearm down).
❌ Skipping "GOOD": Always include both parts of the compound sign.
❌ Wrong forearm angle: Forearm should point slightly down, not horizontal or up.
❌ Rushed transition: Make clear distinction between "GOOD" and "AFTERNOON" components.
💬 Common Sentence Examples
"Good afternoon, how are you?"
How to sign: Sign "good afternoon" (chin to palm, then forearm on hand) → pause → sign "how" (knuckles together, roll forward) → sign "you" (point to person).
"Good afternoon, class!"
How to sign: Sign "good afternoon" → pause → sign "class" (C hands move apart in semicircle) → add enthusiastic facial expression for greeting.
"Have a good afternoon."
How to sign: Sign "have" (bring fingertips to chest) → sign "good afternoon" → direct toward the person you're addressing with appropriate eye contact.