Learning colors in American Sign Language (ASL) is an important part of language development for everyone, be it an infant, toddler, or adult. Knowing colors is crucial for communication and teaching children about the world around them. Lucky for us, ASL colors are based on simple, consistent hand motions that are easy to learn! Here is a look at the 8 colors in ASL.
Yellow
The hand signal for yellow in ASL is typically the same as the sign for gold. Start with the fingers of one hand stretched out slightly and pointing up. Cup the palm of your other hand and place it over the up-pointing fingers. This closed hand is then used to sweep from side to side in a motion in front of your face.
Red
To sign for red in ASL, you start with your hands in fists and extended. Pull the thumb and index fingers out of the fists and place them together. Take the hands (one at a time in a motion like a “V”) and rub them together in front of your face. The sign for red can also be made by taking the hands, placing them side by side in front of you, and wiggling the fingers to form an “X” shape.
Orange
The sign for orange in ASL is simple and features a wiggling movement. Start with one hand open and extended with an index finger pointing up. Now take the other hand and, as if using it as an eraser, start rubbing it in a circular motion across the extended index finger. Repeat the motion multiple times to indicate the color orange.
Blue
The sign for blue in ASL is a bit more complex than other colors. Start by placing one hand in a C-shape. Take the other hand, with the fingers bent and inside of your C-shaped hand. Now, in a backwards motion, spread the fingers and thumb of your “C” hand while simultaneously pulling and spreading the second hand in a slow and fluid motion.
Green
The sign for green in ASL is simple and similar to many other signs. Start with both hands open and extended, the fingers bent and palms facing the sky. Now run the fingers of one hand up and down the open palm of your other hand in swift, repeating motions.
White
The sign for white in ASL might look complex, but it’s actually quite simple once you understand the motion. Start by taking the index finger and thumb of one hand and cross them in front of your chest. Now take the other hand and wrap your middle, ring and pink
