Signed Pittsburgh
What is the ASL sign for Pittsburgh? Why?
I thought it would be the fingerspelled "P" in the 7 shaped, like most major cities, but my teacher said she thought that was the sign for Philly. Any ideas of the sign? Also, could you tell me why that is the sign?
Some signs (especially those that are local) tend to be regional and the sign for one city can be the same sign for a different city in another state, therefore it is important to establish first, to what area you are referring. The reason I'm giving this background information is because the sign that I know for Pittsburgh is also the sign for other cities.
The sign I know to be generally recognized as Pittsburgh is the "F" handshape on your dominant hand, brushing down along your upper chest area twice (imagine putting something into your shirt pocket).
As for the other part of your question, I will quote one of my best friends (a Deaf ASL instructor of many years) who has formulated the best answer for that question. When asked, "Why is that the sign for _____?" Just because it is. Sometimes, there is no reason.
Remember that language can be iconic or arbitrary. The sign for CAT in ASL is iconic - it mimics the whiskers, thus creating a visua. However, the sign for LIGHT is arbitrary. It has no resemblance to a light. The same is true for English. Why is a house called a house?
I hope this helps. Good luck with your studies.
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