❤️ ASL sign for "T". Interesting info when traveling internationally...

[Michael - Able Lingo ASL]

 

❤️ Did you know that the sign for T in ASL has quite another meaning if you're traveling internationally in countries like Russia and Indonesia?

Let's explore what Ai has to say about it:

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Handshapes can carry dramatically different meanings across cultures. The ASL sign for the letter T involves the thumb tucked between the index and middle fingers. In American Sign Language, it's simply a letter. But in Russian culture, that same gesture is known as the fig sign (called кукиш or шиш in Russian), and it’s considered rude or dismissive.

🇷🇺 Russian Meaning of the ASL "T" Handshape

- Gesture: Thumb tucked between index and middle fingers
- Russian term: Kukish or Shish
- Meaning: A vulgar refusal, equivalent to “You’re not getting anything” or “No way”
- Context: Used to deny a request, mock someone, or express defiance. Historically, it was even used to ward off evil spirits or bad luck.

So while ASL uses it neutrally for spelling, in Russia it’s a culturally loaded gesture. Definitely one to avoid flashing casually in Russian-speaking regions!
Would you like a visual comparison of this gesture across cultures or a deeper dive into other ASL handshapes with cross-cultural meanings?

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❤️ Let's jump over to Indonesia. Here's what Ai has to say:

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🇮🇩 Indonesian Meaning of the ASL "T" Handshape

- Gesture name: Sikut jempol or jempol di antara jari
- Meaning: Considered rude or obscene, often interpreted as a vulgar insult or a mocking gesture
- Context: Used to express contempt, rejection, or to mock someone—especially in informal or confrontational settings
- Cultural tone: It’s not just impolite—it can be seen as provocative, especially among older generations or in more traditional communities

While not as universally recognized as the middle finger in Western cultures, this gesture still carries enough negative weight in Indonesia that it’s best avoided in public or cross-cultural interactions.

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❤️ Does this mean stop using the T handshape? Of course not. It's just more reaffirmation that sign language is not universal all over the globe. Heck, even handshapes unrelated to sign language can mean different things in different locations. Interesting stuff. I guess this information can help us be more culturally sensitive, see things from a different view, and understand better if someone from the East gives us a funny look when we sign T. 

Learning this additional info about the T handshape has helped me explain the "interesting" comments I get on my Able Lingo ASL YouTube videos about the ASL alphabet. There's usually a comment or two saying something like, "Did you see the T?" "What's up with the T?!"

Well, now I understand. I am enlightened. haha. Have a lovely day everybody! 👍