American Sign Language: "Africa" The sign for "Africa" has gone through a few political debates. A long time ago it was an "A" circling the face. Then people started using a "loose C" handshape that uses a curved downward motion while changing into an "AND" handshape. (Which was considered politically correct and respectful since it was linked to the shape of the African continent and not linked to people's faces). Some people go on a tirade if you don't sign things their way. If people in your social circle sign it one particular way, by all means adopt that method but as for me, I recommend you do it the "newer way" Africa: (Newer, politically correct method) (recommended version) AFRICA (Old method) (not recommended) You can learn American Sign Language (ASL) online at American Sign Language University ™ ASL resources by Lifeprint.com © Dr. William Vicars Want to help support ASL University? It's easy: DONATE (Thanks!) (You don't need a PayPal account. Just look for the credit card logos and click continue.) Another way to help is to buy something from the ASLU "Bookstore." Want even more ASL resources? Visit the "ASL Training Center!" (Subscription Extension of ASLU) CHECK IT OUT > Bandwidth slow? Check out "ASLUniversity.com" (a free mirror of Lifeprint.com less traffic, fast access) VISIT >

American Sign Language: "Africa"

The sign for "Africa" has gone through a few political debates. A long time ago it was an "A" circling the face.

Then people started using a "loose C" handshape that uses a curved downward motion while changing into an "AND" handshape. (Which was considered politically correct and respectful since it was linked to the shape of the African continent and not linked to people's faces).

Some people go on a tirade if you don't sign things their way. If people in your social circle sign it one particular way, by all means adopt that method but as for me, I recommend you do it the "newer way"

Africa: (Newer, politically correct method) (recommended version)

AFRICA (Old method) (not recommended)

You can learn American Sign Language (ASL) online at American Sign Language University ™
ASL resources by Lifeprint.com © Dr. William Vicars

Want to help support ASL University? It's easy: DONATE (Thanks!)
(You don't need a PayPal account. Just look for the credit card logos and click continue.)

Another way to help is to buy something from the ASLU "Bookstore."

Want even more ASL resources? Visit the "ASL Training Center!" (Subscription Extension of ASLU) CHECK IT OUT >

Bandwidth slow? Check out "ASLUniversity.com" (a free mirror of Lifeprint.com less traffic, fast access) VISIT >