V@NearCenterNosehigh-FingerForward-V@NearCenterChinhigh-FingerForward V@DistalCenterNosehigh-FingerForward-V@DistalCenterChinhigh-FingerForward

American Sign Language

Alternative forms

Indicating observation of an object or event in motion by sweeping hands in the direction of the motion, e.g.: V@InsideNosehigh-FingerLeft1-V@InsideNosehigh-FingerLeft1 V@InsideNosehigh-FingerRight1-V@InsideNosehigh-FingerRight1
Indicating frequent or habitual observation by repeating the forward motion multiple times.
Indicating focused or intense observation by holding the final posture for a longer time.
Indicating casual observation by moving the fingers casually side-to-side.
Indicating mutual observation by facing fingers of each hand toward the other, e.g.: V@SideNosehigh-FingerAcross-V@SideNosehigh-FingerAcross V@SideNosehigh-FingerDown-V@SideNosehigh-FingerDown V@SideNosehigh-FingerAcross-V@SideNosehigh-FingerAcross (“to look at each other up and down”)

Etymology

One of a many variations of V@NearNose-FingerBack V@FromNose-FingerForward (“to see”), presumably indicating a deliberate act by using two hands and facing only forward.

Production

This two-handed ASL sign has two postures:
1. Form the “V” handshape with the dominant hand near the eyes, extended fingers pointing forward, palm down. Form the “V” handshape with the weak hand near the mouth, extended fingers pointing forward, palm down.
  - Move both hands forward.
2. Form the “V” handshape with the dominant hand a medial distance in front of the eyes, extended fingers pointing forward, palm down. Form the “V” handshape with the weak hand a medial distance in front of the mouth, extended fingers pointing forward, palm down.

Verb

Upload png, jpg, or gif image. (ASL gloss: OBSERVE)

to observe
(ASL Gloss) ME OBSERVE HIM, FUNNY.
"I observed him and found him to be funny."

Noun

Upload png, jpg, or gif image. (ASL gloss: OBSERVATION)

observation