Learn 5 ASL Signs to Spread the Love at Columbia College Chicago

Campus Communications Staff / Feb 08, 2024

PhotoStrategic Communications graduate student Nathaniel Kelly signs "I love you" in ASL
Share signs of love and kindness through American Sign Language (ASL). Want to learn ASL? Columbia offers an ASL institute for beginners and intermediate learners.

This Valentine’s Day the ASL Department shares how to show compassion and kindness with American Sign Language—the third most commonly used language in the United States. ASL is a visual and emotional language involving movement of the face, torso and hands. Although it's the primary language in the Deaf community, ASL can also be used to communicate with your best friend, brother, mom, teacher or anyone you want to show some love to this Valentine’s Day. We asked Associate Professor Matt Andersen and graduate student Nathaniel Kelly to share five signs that show love, so you can connect with someone you care about in a special way.

Associate Professor Matt Andersen signs—“I love you,” “I cherish you,” and “You’re beautiful.”

How to sign "I love you" in ASL

With your dominant hand, raise your thumb, index and pinky fingers while your ring and middle fingers are closed facing the inside of your palm. To show some extra love, do the same hand gesture with both hands at the same time.

How to sign "I cherish you" in ASL

“I” – Begin by pointing at yourself.

“Cherish” – Then take both hands to your chin with palms facing you. Open and close your fists bringing them in a downward motion.

“You” – Finish by pointing your index finger outward to the person you are signing to.

How to sign "You're beautiful" in ASL

“You’re” – Point your index finger outward toward the person you are signing to.

“beautiful” – Bring your dominant hand up to your face with your palm facing in and all fingers splayed over your face. In a downward motion, press your fingers and thumb together.  

Administrative Assistant and Strategic Communications graduate student Nathaniel Kelly signs—“You’re amazing” and “You’re my best friend”

How to sign "You're amazing" in ASL

“You’re” – Point your index finger outward toward the person you are signing to.

“Amazing” –  Raise both hands up with your palms facing outward. Drag them from the up to down position.

 How to sign "You're my best friend" in ASL

“You’re” – Point your index finger outward toward the person you are signing to.

"my" – bring your hand flat onto your chest. 

"best friend" – cross your index finger and middle finger.

 

Want to learn ASL? Columbia offers an ASL institute for beginners and intermediate learners who want to increase their skills and conversational fluency. These workshops are open to anyone interested in learning American Sign Language. Join us for the spring 2024 ASL workshop! Classes start Wednesday, February 14.

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