Sign Language Nose Touching: Meanings and Contexts

Introduction to Nose Touching in Sign Languages

Nose touching, a simple gesture, can hold multiple meanings across different languages and contexts. While it might seem like a minor or insignificant gesture, it can convey significant information in sign languages. This article explores the different meanings of nose touching in sign languages, particularly focusing on American Sign Language (ASL), the context in charades, and a British hand gesture. Let's dive into the details.

Meanings of Nose Touching in Sign Language

General Context in Sign Language

In sign language, particularly in American Sign Language (ASL), the gesture of touching your nose can have varying meanings depending on the context. Generally, it often indicates the sign for 'knows' or 'know', given that the phonemes 'nose' and 'knows' sound similar. However, without a specific context and further details, such as handshape, palm orientation, and facial expressions, it is challenging to define the precise meaning accurately.

For example, a simple sign for 'knows' in ASL involves the index finger tapping the nose. This gesture can be used to express certainty or acknowledgment. However, other contexts might involve different meanings. For instance, the sign for 'bug' or 'penis' might also incorporate a similar gesture, depending on the specific handshape and context.

Specific ASL Sign Examples

BUG: The sign for 'bug' often involves a bitten or irritated handshape, with the fingertips lightly touching the nose. This is a common sign for a pest or an annoying situation. PENIS: The sign for 'penis' involves an index finger touching the nose with a specific handshape that represents the male anatomy. This is a less common and more specific gesture that requires a detailed explanation of the handshape and context. AMUSING: In ASL, the sign for 'amusing' can involve touching the nose while making a playful face, indicating something that is funny or delightful. MOUSE: The sign for 'mouse' involves a handshape resembling a mouse, with the index finger touching the nose. This sign is used to represent the animal or a computer device. NOSE: Simply touching the nose without any other handshapes, facial expressions, or repetitions can simply mean 'nose' or can carry other nuanced meanings depending on the cultural and social context.

Charades and Nose Touching

In the popular game of charades, nose touching is often used as a specific instruction. When a player points to another player and touches their own nose, it signals that the target player should perform a "Knows" or "Knows it" gesture. This is a clever play on the English words 'nose' and 'knows', as they sound similar.

British Hand Gesture

Beyond sign languages, a British hand gesture involving a tap on the side of the nose (usually twice) is used to indicate that something is confidential or a secret. This gesture is often referenced in the book "The Field Guide to Gestures: How to Identify and Interpret Virtually Every Gesture Known to Man."

Additional Contextual Meanings

It's important to note that in some cases, touching your nose can be a simple, physical response to an itchy or irritated nose, unrelated to any sign language or cultural meanings. Therefore, without a detailed context, the gesture can be ambiguous.

Sometimes, the phrase 'touch your nose' can be used idiomatically to imply staying out of someone's business or indicating that a matter is private. For example, in a conversation, if someone asks you a question and you respond with 'touch your nose,' it might mean 'none of your business' or 'don't worry about it.'

Conclusion: Understanding Nose Touching Gestures

Understanding nose touching gestures in sign languages, such as ASL, involves considering multiple factors including context, handshape, palm orientation, and facial expressions. Being aware of these nuances can help in accurately interpreting and using these gestures effectively. Whether in sign languages, charades, or British hand gestures, the meaning of touching your nose can vary widely and should always be contextualized.