"that" American Sign Language (ASL) - Lifeprint

THAT: The American Sign Language (ASL) sign for "that"

THAT (one-handed version)

That thing right there:

There is a generic sign for THAT which uses two hands. The (palm down) dominant "Y"-hand is brought down onto the (palm up) palm of the non-dominant flat-hand. THAT (2-handed non-referential version)

The generic 2-handed version (above) is sometimes used when you want to express the concept of "that" but aren't making a specific reference to something in the local signing area.

The sign THAT can be used to refer to a specific thing in your environment by doing a one-handed version of the sign toward that thing. THAT-ONE (specifically)

That one? (question form)

THAT-ONE (the one way over there)

Notes: Question: Regarding the lesson: An Interview with Cäsar Jacobson (09) "Find Out" series: A student asks: At 34:17 is the sign for THAT the same sign as IMPOSSIBLE? Thanks! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57AUM3sjXks&t=34m17s Answer: The handshapes, palm orientation, and location of the 2-handed version of the sign THAT and the sign IMPOSSIBLE are generally the same but the sign "impossible" typically uses a double movement accompanied by a slight negative head shake and a skeptical facial expression (non-manual marker) that indicates you don't believe something can be done. The 2-handed version of the sign "THAT" tends to only use a single movement. Also often (but not always) the sign tends to use a bit of movement in the wrist. This extra movement is particularly common in the 1-handed version of "THAT-ONE!" -- often accompanied by a head-nod.

Also see:

THAT-ONE!

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