Signs beginning with 'D'

• DADDY
  Hold 1st hand as MALE, and hold 2nd FLAT hand, back forward & digits pointing inward-upward, one hand's breadth in front of 1st hand; then with 2nd hand pat back of 1st hand twice.

  
• DAFFODIL
  Hold 1st hand as FLOWER but in front of centre of BODY, and put 2nd 5Pt h, digits pointing forward-inward & fingers upward, with its wrist on root of 1st palm.

  
• DAFT
  Put either 1st finger hand, back forward and 1st finger pointing inward, with tip of 1st finger on own side of forehead; then trace vertical zigzag line one hand's breadth outward from forehead.

  
• DAIRY
  Hold 1st hand as BUILDING, and at same time hold 2nd O-hand, back forward & fingers inward; then move 2nd hand downwards one hand's breadth at same time changing hand to FIST hand, back still forward & fingers inward.

  
• DAISY
  Hold 1st hand as FLOWER, and put 2nd thumb 1st finger hand, thumb and 1st finger pointing backward-inward & fingers forward-inward, with tips of thumb and 1st finger on nail of 2nd finger of 1st hand; then move 2nd hand forward-outwards one hand's breadth.

  
• DAM
  Hold 1st FLAT hand, back outward & digits pointing upward, and with 2nd hand sign WATER but with side of its thumb on root of 1st palm.

  
• DAMAGE
  Hold both thumb hands, backs inward-upward & fingers forward, with tips of thumbs one hand's breadth apart; then move hands inward-downwards till tips of thumbs touch.
• DAMP
  With 1st hand sign LIQUID, and at same time hold 2nd hand as LITTLE.

  
• DANCE
  Hold hands as STAND; then move 2nd hand upwards one hand's breadth and by sideways wrist action touch 1st palm alternately with tips of 2nd finger, 1st finger, 2nd finger, and 1st finger of 2nd hand.

  
• DANCER
  sign DANCE - ER.

  
• DANCING
  sign DANCE - ING.

  
• DANDELION
  Hold 1st hand as FLOWER, and at same time hold 2nd thumb 1st finger hand, thumb and 1st finger pointing inward & fingers upward, at shoulder-level in line with own side; then move 2nd hand inwards one hand's breadth at same time changing hand to Y-hand, thumb and 1st finger still pointing inward & fingers upward.

  
• DANGER
  Hold either SPREAD hand, palm forward & fingers pointing inward, in front of own shoulder and with elbow raised.
• DANGEROUS
  sign DANGER - OUS.

  
• DAPPLE
  Hold 1st hand as COLOUR, and with 2nd BODY hand trace vertical outwards-downwards circle, lf breadth diameter on back of 1st hand.
• DARE
  Hold both FIST hands, backs downward & fingers forward, in line with own sides; then by wrist action turn both hands till backs outward, fingers still forward.

  
• DARK
  Hold either SPREAD hand, back forward-outward & fingers pointing inward-upward, in front of own shoulder; then change to FIST hand, back forward-outward & fingers inward-upward.

  
• DARLING
  Hold 1st hand as LOVE, and put 2nd FLAT hand, back forward & digits pointing inward, on back of 1st hand.
• DARN
  Hold 1st hand as FABRIC, and put 2nd 1Pt h, back upward & fingers forward-inward, with tip of its 1st finger between upper knuckles of 1 & ² fingers of 1st hand; then move 2nd hand downwards till ball of its 1st finger touches nail of 3f of 1st hand.

  
• DART
  Hold either thumb 1st finger hand, thumb and 1st finger pointing forward-upward & fingers upward, in front of own shoulder; then jerk hand forward-upwards one hand's breadth at same time by wrist action tilting hand till thumb and 1st finger pointing forward.
• DATE¹
  Hold 1st hand as TIME, and hold 2nd FLAT hand, back forward & fingers pointing inward, with lower edge of its palm one hand's breadth above lower knuckles of 1st hand; then move 2nd hand downwards till it touches 1st hand.

  
• DATE²
  Hold 1st hand as CONTAINER, and put 2nd hand held as STONE²-FRUIT but with tips of its digits on 1st palm.
• DAUGHTER-IN-LAW
  Hold hands as DAUGHTER; then keeping 1st hand in position change 2nd hand (CLOSED hand) to 1,2f h, back outward and ¹ & 2nd fingers pointing upward in front of own shoulder.

  
• DAUGHTER
  Hold 1st hand as FEMALE, and at same time put 2nd CLOSED hand, back outward & fingers forward, on own side of body at waist level.

  
• DAWN
  Hold 1st hand as TIME but at mid-height, and put 2nd O-hand, back outward & fingers upward, with upper knuckle of its 4th finger on inner side of 1st elbow; then slide 2nd hand upwards till side of its wrist is on inner side of 1st elbow.

  
• DAY
  Hold 1st hand as TIME, and put 2nd O-hand, back outward & fingers upward, with its wrist on crook of 1st elbow; then with 2nd hand trace vertical upwards-forward-outwards semicircle two hand lengths diameter till its wrist touches tip of 2nd finger of 1st hand.

  
• DAZZLE
  With each hand simultaneously sign SHINE.

  
• DEAD
  Put both 1 fhs, backs forward & fingers pointing downward, with lower knuckles of thumbs on own breasts.

  
• DEAF
  Put either FLAT hand, back outward & digits pointing upward, with tips of fingers on own ear.

  
• DEAL
  sign LOT; then move 2nd hand (top hand) forwards one hand's length.
• DEAR (beloved)
  Hold either hand as LOVE but with thumb and 1st finger closed on palm.

  
• DEATH
  Put either COMPRESSED hand, digits pointing inward-upward & fingers forward-inward, with tip of thumb on own breast; then change hand to SPREAD hand at same time by wrist action turning hand till fingers point inward-downward with back forward.

  
• DEBT
  Hold 1st FIST hand, back outward & fingers forward, and put 2nd CLOSED hand, palm upward & fingers forward-inward, with its upper knuckles on lower edge of 1st palm; then move hands together forwards one hand's length at same time opening 2nd hand to FLAT hand, palm still upward & digits pointing forward-inward, with its palm on lower edge of 1st palm.
• DECAY
  Hold both SENSATION hands, backs forward & 2nd fingers pointing inward-downward, with tips of 2nd fingers one hand's breadth apart; then move both hands inward-downwards till tips of 2nd fingers touch.
• DECEIVE
  Put either V-hand, palm forward and 1 & 2nd fingers pointing inward, with tips of 1 & 2nd fingers on own side of forehead; then keeping tip of 1st finger in position by wrist action turn hand till back forward, ¹ & 2nd fingers still pointing inward.

  
• DECEMBER
  Hold 1st SPREAD hand, back forward & fingers pointing upward, in front of own shoulder, and at same time hold 2nd O-hand, back upward & fingers inward, in front of own shoulder; then keeping 1st hand stationary by wrist action turn 2nd hand downwards till back inward & fingers downward.
• DECIDE
  Hold 1st hand as THINK, and at same time hold 2nd 1st finger hand, back outward and 1st finger pointing upward, in front of own shoulder; then by elbow-action jerk 2nd hand forward-downwards till its 1st finger points forward-upward.

  
• DECIMAL
  Hold each hand simultaneously as FIVE but with tips of both 4th fingers touching in front of centre of body; then move both hands together downwards one hand's breadth.
• DECK
  Hold 1st hand as BOAT, and at same time put 2nd FLAT hand, back upward & digits pointing inward, with its fingers on top of 1st wrist.

  
• DECLARE
  Put either FLAT hand, back outward & digits pointing upward, with tip of 1st finger on own corner of mouth; then move hand forwards one hand's length.

  
• DECORATE
  Hold 1st COMPRESSED hand, digits pointing inward-downward & fingers forward-inward, and at same time put 2nd hand held as GOOD but with tip of its thumb on outer corner of own eye.

  
• DECORATION
  sign DECORATE - ATION

  
• DECREASE
  Hold 1st hand as SURFACE, and hold 2nd FLAT hand, back upward & digits pointing forward-inward, one hand's length above 1st palm; then move 2nd hand downwards till a half hand's breadth above 1st palm.

  
• DEED
  Hold 1st hand as THING, and hold 2nd FIST hand, back forward & fingers inward, one hand's breadth above 1st hand; then jerk 2nd hand downwards till it touches 1st hand.

  
• DEEP
  Hold 1st L-hand, back outward & fingers upward, and put 2nd L-hand, back outward & fingers upward, with its fingers on underside of fingers of 1st hand; then keeping upper hand stationary move 2nd hand downwards one hand's length.

  
• DEER
  Hold 1st hand as ANIMAL, and put 2nd SPREAD hand but with ball of thumb on nail of 4th finger, back forward & fingers pointing upward, with its back on back of 1st hand.
• DEFEAT
  Hold 1st 1st finger hand, back outward and 1st finger pointing upward, and put 2nd FLAT hand, back upward & digits pointing forward-inward, with its palm on top of 1st finger of 1st hand; then move both hands together downwards one hand's breadth.

  
• DEGREE
  Hold either 1,2f h, back upward and 1 & 2nd fingers pointing forward; then by finger-a move lf upwards till pointing forward-upward.

  
• DELAY
  Hold either FIST hand, back outward & fingers forward; then move hand outwards one hand's breadth: return to original position and repeat action.

  
• DELICIOUS (good taste)
  Put either SENSATION hand, back forward & 2nd finger pointing inward, with tip of 2nd finger on tip of tongue; then move hand outwards one hand's breadth, at same time changing hand to thumb hand, back outward & fingers forward.
• DELIGHT
  Hold 1st COMPRESSED hand, digits pointing inward-downward & fingers forward-inward, and at same time with 2nd hand sign HAPPY.

  
• DELIVER
  Hold 1st hand as CONTAINER, and put 2nd C-hand, palm upward & fingers forward-inward with tips of its digits grasping 1st wrist; then move both hands together forwards one hand's length.

  
• DELL
  Hold 1st hand as GROUND, and hold 2nd Y-hand, thumb and 1st finger pointing inward & fingers forward, one hand's length above centre of 1st forearm; then with 2nd hand trace vertical downwards-forward-outwards semicircle one hand's length diameter touching 1st arm on wrist and finishing movement one hand's length above mid knuckles of fingers of 1st hand.

  
• DEMAND
  Hold 1st hand as for WANT, and at same time with 2nd hand sign MUST

  
• DEN
  Hold 1st hand as ANIMAL, but with lower knuckle of thumb on centre of body, and hold 2nd FLAT hand, back upward & digits pointing inward, one hand's breadth above fingers of 1st hand.
• DENSE
  Hold 1st SPREAD hand, back outward & fingers pointing upward, and hold 2nd hand as for THICK but one hand's length outward from 1st hand; then move 2nd hand inwards till tips of its digits touch 1st palm.

  
• DENTIST
  Hold 1st hand as PERSON, and at same time hold 2nd hand as TOOTH.

  
• DENY
  Hold 1st hand as SAY, and at same time with 2nd hand sign WRONG.

  
• DEPART
  With each hand simultaneously sign GO.

  
• DEPARTMENT
  Hold 1st FLAT hand, back forward & digits pointing upward, in front of own breast, and put 2nd FLAT hand, back outward & digits pointing forward, with side of lower knuckle of its 4th finger on outside of tip of 2nd finger of 1st hand; then slide 2nd hand downwards between 1 & 2nd fingers to base of 1st finger of 1st hand at same time separating thumb and 1st finger from 2, ³ & 4th fingers of 1st hand.
• DEPEND
  Hold 1st 1st finger hand, back downward and 1st finger pointing forward-inward, and put 2nd 1st finger hand, back upward and 1st finger pointing forward-inward, with ball of its 1st finger on ball of 1st finger of 1st hand; then with 2nd hand press 1st finger of 1st hand downwards till 1st finger of 1st hand points forward-downward.

  
• DEPOSIT
  Hold 1st 1Pt h, 1st finger pointing downward & fingers forward, and put 2nd COMPRESSED hand, digits pointing downward & fingers forward-inward, with tips of its digits on back of 1st hand.
• DEPRESS
  Hold either thumb hand, back upward & fingers forward-inward, in line with own side of forehead; then move hand downwards one hand's breadth.

  
• DEPTH
  Hold each hand as POSITION but with upper knuckles of both hands touching; then keeping one hand stationary move other hand downwards one hand's length.

  
• DESCEND
  Hold either 1Pt h, 1st finger pointing downward & fingers forward-inward, at shoulder-level; then move hand downwards one hand's length.

  
• DESCRIBE
  Hold either hand as THING; then move hand 1) outwards one hand's breadth 2) downwards one hand's breadth and 3) inwards one hand's breadth.

  
• DESERT
  Hold 1st hand as GROUND, and with 2nd sign DRY but at one hand's breadth above 1st hand.

  
• DESERVE
  Hold both FLAT hands, backs upward & digits pointing forward, one hand's breadth apart; then move one hand upwards one hand's breadth at same time moving other hand downwards one hand's breadth: return to original position and repeat action.

  
• DESIGN
  Hold 1st hand as THINK, and at same time with 2nd hand sign SHAPE

  
• DESIRE
  sign WISH; then move 1st hand (THINK hand) forward-upwards one hand's length, back outward and 1st finger still pointing inward.

  
• DESK
  Hold 1st hand as TABLE, and hold 2nd hand as for PENCIL but with tip of its 1st finger on outer edge of 1st hand; then with 2nd hand trace outwards zigzag line across top of 1st hand to its inner edge.

  
• DESPISE
  sign DISAPPROVE; then move 2nd hand (thumb hand) downwards one hand's breadth.

  
• DESTINATION
  sign DESTINE - ATION

  
• DESTINE
  Hold 1st FLAT hand, back forward & digits pointing inward, two hand lengths in front of centre of body, and at same time hold 2nd 1Pt h, lf pointing downward & fingers forward, in front of own breast; then move 2nd hand forwards till nail of its lf touches ball of 2nd finger of 1st hand.

  
• DESTINY
  sign DESTINE - Y
• DESTROY
  Hold 1st FLAT hand, back upward & digits pointing inward, and put 2nd FLAT hand, back upward & digits pointing inward, with its fingers on back of 1st hand; then move both hands outward-downwards, at same time by wrist action turning hands till palms outward & digits pointing forward, in line with own sides with elbows raised.

  
• DETAIL
  Hold 1st hand as THING, and at same time hold 2nd hand as LITTLE

  
• DETECT
  Hold either 1Pt h, 1st finger pointing forward & fingers upward, with lower knuckle of 1st finger on outer corner of own eye; then move hand outwards one hand's length, and return to original position.

  
• DETECTIVE
  sign DETECT - IVE.
• DETERMINE
  Hold 1st hand as MIND, and at same time hold 2nd FIST hand, back outward & fingers forward, in line with own side; then jerk 2nd hand downwards one hand's breadth.

  
• DETERMINER
  Hold 1st hand as for WORD, and at same time hold 2nd 1Pt h, 1st finger pointing forward-inward & fingers upward.
• DEVELOP
  With each hand simultaneously sign GROW

  
• DEVELOPMENT
  sign DEVELOP - MENT
• DEVIL
  Put either FLAT hand but with 1, ² & 3rd fingers closed on palm, palm forward & thumb & 4th finger pointing upward, with back of hand on centre of forehead.
• DEW
  Hold 1st hand as GROUND, and with 2nd hand sign DROP² (of liquid) but with tips of thumb and 1st finger on back of 1st hand.

  
• DIAGONAL
  With either hand sign RECTANGLE; then move hand outward-downwards one hand's length.
• DIAGRAM
  Hold 1st hand as PAPER, and at same time with 2nd hand sign SHAPE

  
• DIAL¹ (to turn)
  Hold either 1st finger hand but with 1st finger bent, back upward & fingers forward-inward; then trace horizontal outwards-backwards quarter-circle one hand's breadth diameter: return to original position and repeat action.

  
• DIAL² (instrument)
  Hold 1st hand as THING, and hold 2nd 1st finger hand, back upward and 1st finger pointing forward-inward, with its wrist on mid knuckle of 2nd finger of 1st hand; then keeping hands together by wrist action turn 2nd hand till 1st finger pointing forward-outward, back still upward.

  
• DIAMETER
  With either hand sign CIRCLE; then move hand outward-downwards one hand's length.
• DIAMOND
  sign WHITE; then keeping 1st hand (colour hand) stationary, by wrist action turn 2nd hand till 1st finger pointing backward & fingers inward, and with its 1st finger trace vertical upwards-outwards circle 1st finger breadth diameter on mid knuckle of 3f of 1st hand.

  
• DIARRHOEA
  Put 1st FLAT hand, back forward & digits pointing inward, with its palm on centre of body, and put 2nd hand held as BAD but with tip of its thumb on back of 1st hand; then slide both hands together downwards one hand's breadth.

  
• DIARY
  sign BOOK; then move hands backwards till they touch body.

  
• DICE
  Hold 1st hand as THING, and put 2nd 1Pt h, lf pointing backward-inward & fingers forward-inward, with tip of its lf 1) on lower knuckle of 4th finger 2) on lower knuckle of 2nd finger and 3) on mid knuckle of 2nd finger of 1st hand.

  
• DICTATE
  Hold 1st hand as PERSON, and at same time hold 2nd hand as SAY; then 1) by wrist action tilt 2nd hand till tip of its 1st finger touches tip of 1st finger of 1st hand, and 2) keeping 2nd hand in position move both hands together downwards one hand's breadth.

  
• DICTATION
  Hold 1st hand as SAY, and at same time hold 2nd hand as PAPER.

  
• DICTIONARY
  Hold 1st FLAT hand, back outward & digits pointing forward-upward, and at same time with 2nd hand sign WORD.

  
• DIE
  Put both 1 fhs, backs forward and 1st fingers pointing inward-upward, with lower knuckles of thumbs on own breasts; then keeping lower knuckles of thumbs on body by wrist action turn hands till both 1st fingers point downward backs still forward.

  
• DIET
  Hold 1st hand as DRINK², and at same time hold 2nd hand as FOOD; then keeping hands in relative positions move both hands downwards one hand's breadth.

  
• DIFFERENT
  Hold hands as SAME; then keeping 1st hand stationary move upper hand outwards one hand's breadth at same time changing to CLOSED hand, back upward & fingers forward.

  
• DIFFICULT
  Hold 1st V-hand, back upward and 1 & 2nd fingers pointing forward-inward, and put 2nd 1,2f h, back upward and 1 & 2nd fingers pointing forward-inward with mid knuckles of its ¹ & 2nd fingers on top of 1st finger of 1st hand, and its finger nails on underside of 2nd finger of 1st hand.

  
• DIG
  Hold 1st hand as SURFACE, and hold 2nd FLAT hand, back inward-upward & digits pointing inward-downward, with tips of its fingers one hand's breadth above 4th finger of 1st hand; then put 2nd hand with tip of its 2nd finger on centre of 1st palm at same time by wrist action turning 2nd hand till back forward, digits still pointing inward-downward.

  
• DIGEST
  Put 1st BODY hand with tip of its 4th finger at waist-level on centre of body, and at same time with 2nd hand sign WORK but using that hand only.
• DILUTE
  Hold 1st hand as CONTAINER, and with 2nd hand sign LIQUID but at one hand's breadth above 1st palm; then move 2nd hand downwards till side of its 4th finger touches 1st palm at same time continuing vibrating movement.

  
• DIM
  Hold either SPREAD hand, back forward & fingers pointing inward, with fingers in front of own eye.

  
• DININGROOM
  Hold 1st hand as ROOM, and at same time with 2nd hand sign EAT.

  
• DINNER
  Hold 1st hand as TIME, and put 2nd hand held as FOOD but with side of its wrist on finger tips of 1st hand. [N.back. for mid-day dinner, sign LUNCH]

  
• DINOSAUR
  With 1st hand sign REPTILE, and put 2nd 1Pt h, 1st finger pointing downward & fingers inward, with tip of its 1st finger on back of 1st hand; then change 2nd hand to CLOSED hand, back upward, fingers still inward, with mid knuckle of its 4th finger on lower knuckle of 1st finger of 1st hand.

  
• DIP
  Hold 1st CUPPED hand, palm upward & fingers inward, and hold 2nd thumb 1st finger hand, thumb and 1st finger pointing downward & fingers forward-inward, one hand's breadth above 1st palm; then move 2nd hand downwards till tips of its thumb and 1st finger touch 1st palm.

  
• DIRECT
  Put either 1st finger hand, back upward and 1st finger pointing forward, with wrist on centre of body; then move hand forwards one hand's length.

  
• DIRECTION (compass)
  Put either 1st finger hand, back upward and 1st finger pointing forward, with wrist on centre of body.

  
• DIRT
  Hold 1st hand as THING, and put 2nd hand held as BAD but with tip of its thumb on root of 1st palm; then with 2nd hand trace horizontal forwards-outwards circle one hand's breadth diameter.

  
• DIRTY
  Hold 1st hand as SURFACE, and at same time put 2nd hand held as BAD but with tip of its thumb on centre of 1st palm; then with 2nd hand trace horizontal forwards-outwards circle one hand's breadth diameter on 1st palm.

  
• DISAGREE
  sign DIS - AGREE.

  
• DISAPPEAR
  sign DIS - APPEAR.

  
• DISAPPOINT
  Hold 1st hand as THINK, and at same time hold 2nd FLAT hand, palm upward & digits pointing forward, in line with own side; then move 2nd hand downwards one hand's length.

  
• DISAPPROVE
  sign DIS - APPROVE.

  
• DISC
  Hold 1st hand as THING, and with 2nd hand sign ROUND but at one hand's breadth above 1st hand.

  
• DISCIPLE
  Hold 1st 1st finger hand, back outward and 1st finger pointing upward, in front of centre of body, and hold 2nd hand as PERSON but one hand's breadth behind 1st hand; then keeping hands in relative positions move both hands forwards one hand's length.

  
• DISCIPLINE
  Hold 1st FIST hand, back outward & fingers upward, and put 2nd C-hand, back forward & fingers inward, with tips of its digits grasping 1st wrist.
• DISCOURAGE
  sign DIS - COURAGE.
• DISCOVER
  Hold 1st CUPPED hand, back forward & fingers inward, and put 2nd CLAWED hand, back upward & fingers forward-inward, with nail of its 2nd finger on centre of 1st palm; then move 2nd hand upwards one hand's breadth.

  
• DISCUSS
  Hold 1st hand as SAY, and at same time hold 2nd 1st finger hand, back outward and 1st finger pointing upward, with tip of its 1st finger one hand's length in front of own corner of mouth; then by elbow-action move 1st hand forwards one hand's length and at same time move 2nd hand backwards till tip of its 1st finger touches own corner of mouth, and return both hands to original positions.

  
• DISEASE
  With each hand simultaneously sign ILL

  
• DISH
  Hold each hand simultaneously as CONTAINER but with sides of both palms touching; then move hands outwards till one hand's length apart.

  
• DISHONEST
  sign DIS - HONEST.

  
• DISINFECTANT
  sign DIS-INFECT; then keeping 2nd hand (THING hand) stationary change 1st hand (thumb hand) to CLOSED hand, palm upward & fingers forward-inward, (as THING)

  
• DISLIKE
  sign DIS - LIKE¹.

  
• DISMISS
  Hold 1st 1st finger hand, back outward and 1st finger pointing upward, in front of own shoulder, and put 2nd FLAT hand, back outward & digits pointing upward, with ball of its 2nd finger on upper knuckles of ² & 3rd fingers of 1st hand; then keeping hands together move 1st hand outwards one hand's length.

  
• DISOBEY
  sign DIS - OBEY.

  
• DISPLEASE
  sign DIS - PLEASE.

  
• DISSOLVE
  Hold 1st hand as for MAKE but using that hand only, and at same time hold 2nd hand as SUBSTANCE; then change 2nd hand to FLAT hand, back forward & digits pointing inward, and with 2nd hand sign LIQUID

  
• DISTANCE
  Hold 1st hand as LENGTH¹ (measurement), and put 2nd CLAWED hand, back upward & fingers inward, with tips of its thumb & 4th finger on 1st forearm.

  
• DISTINGUISH
  sign MAKE; then 1) change both hands to FLAT hands, backs upward & digits pointing forward, with palm of one hand on back of other hand (as SAME) and 2) keeping lower hand stationary move upper hand outwards one hand's breadth at same time changing hand to CLOSED hand, back still upward & fingers forward (as DIFFERENT).

  
• DISTRIBUTE
  With either hand sign GIVE; then trace vertical upwards-outwards semicircle one hand's breadth diameter.

  
• DISTRICT
  Hold 1st hand as GROUND, and hold 2nd FLAT hand, back upward & digits pointing inward, one hand's breadth above 1st wrist; then with 2nd hand trace horizontal forwards-outwards circle one hand's breadth diameter.

  
• DISTRUST
  sign DIS - TRUST.

  
• DISTURB
  Hold 1st FLAT hand, palm upward & digits pointing forward, in line with own side and put 2nd C-hand, palm upward & fingers inward, with tips of its digits grasping 1st wrist; then jerk both hands together sideways one hand's breadth and return to original position.

  
• DITCH
  Hold 1st hand as GROUND, and put 2nd U-hand, digits pointing upward & fingers forward-inward, with its mid knuckles on side of 1st wrist; then slide 2nd hand forward-outwards till its mid knuckles touch side of 1st thumb.

  
• DIVE
  Hold 1st hand as SURFACE, and put 2nd V-hand, back forward-inward and 1 & 2nd fingers pointing downward, with tips of its 1 & 2nd fingers on top of 1st thumb; then with 2nd hand trace vertical upwards-forward-inwards semicircle one hand's breadth diameter till tips of its 1 & ² fingers are one hand's breadth below level of 1st palm.

  
• DIVER
  sign DIVE - ER.

  
• DIVIDE
  Hold 1st 1st finger hand, back forward and 1st finger pointing inward, and put 2nd V-hand, back outward and 1 & 2nd fingers pointing forward, with sides of tips of its ¹ & 2nd fingers on either side of mid knuckle of 1st finger of 1st hand.
• DIVORCE
  Hold hands as WEDDING; then keeping one hand stationary, slide other hand outward-downwards one hand's breadth at same time by wrist action turning hand till fingers point downward, back still forward.

  
• DIZZY
  Put both 1Pt hands, 1st fingers pointing inward & fingers upward, with tips of 1st fingers on own sides of forehead; then with each hand trace vertical upwards-forwards circle a half hand's breadth diameter on own side of forehead, and repeat action.

  
• DO
  Hold 1st hand as SURFACE, and hold 2nd FIST hand, back forward & fingers inward, one hand's breadth above 1st palm; then jerk 2nd hand downwards till it touches 1st palm.

  
• DOCTOR¹ (physician)
  Hold 1st hand as PERSON, and at same time put 2nd COMPRESSED hand, digits pointing backward & fingers inward, with tips of its digits 1) on own breast and 2) on other breast.

  
• DOCTOR² (academic title)
  Hold 1st hand as PERSON, and at same time hold 2nd hand as CLEVER.
• DOES
  Hold 1st hand as SURFACE, and hold 2nd FIST hand but with its 1st finger extended straight & pointing inward, one hand's breadth above 1st palm; then jerk 2nd hand downwards till it touches 1st palm.

  
• DOG
  Hold either hand as ANIMAL; then by finger-a jerk ² & 3rd fingers upwards one finger breadth from tip of thumb: return to original position and repeat action.

  
• DOLL
  Put 1st FLAT hand, palm upward & digits pointing inward, at waist-level on body in line with other side, and put 2nd hand held as THING but fingers inward, with back of its hand on crook of 1st elbow and with crook of its elbow on 1st palm.

  
• DOMINO
  Hold 1st hand as THING, and put 2nd 1st finger hand, back upward and 1st finger pointing forward-inward, with ball of its 1st finger 1) on nail of 1st finger of 1st hand 2) on mid knuckle of 4th finger and 3) on nail of 4th finger.

  
• DONKEY
  Hold 1st hand as ANIMAL, and put 2nd 1st finger hand, back upward and 1st finger pointing inward, with tip of its 1st finger on tip of 1st finger of 1st hand; then move 2nd hand upwards one hand's breadth, and return to original position.
• DOOR
  Hold 1st hand as WALL, and put 2nd L-hand, back outward & fingers forward, with tips of its fingers on front edge of 1st palm.

  
• DORMITORY
  Hold 1st hand as ROOM, and at same time hold 2nd hand as BED; then move 1st hand outwards one hand's length.

  
• DOSE
  Hold 1st hand as DRINK², and at same time hold 2nd thumb hand, palm forward & fingers inward, with tip of its thumb on centre of chest as for ILL; then keeping tip of 2nd thumb on chest by wrist action turn 2nd hand till back forward, fingers still inward as for WELL¹

  
• DOT
  Hold either OUTLINE hand; then jerk hand forwards a half hand's breadth.
• DOUBLE
  Hold either V-hand, back forward and ¹ & 2nd fingers pointing inward, in front of own shoulder.

  
• DOUBT
  Hold 1st hand as THINK, and at same time hold 2nd V-hand, back upward and 1 & 2nd fingers pointing forward, in line with own side; then by wrist action turn 2nd hand till palm upward, ¹ & 2nd fingers still pointing forward, and return to original position.

  
• DOUBTFUL
  sign DOUBT - FUL.

  
• DOUGH
  Hold 1st hand as FOOD, and hold 2nd FIST hand, back forward-inward & fingers inward-downward, one hand's breadth above thumb and 1st finger of 1st hand; then move 2nd hand downwards till mid knuckles of its 1, ² & 3rd fingers touch thumb and 1st finger of 1st hand: return to original position and repeat action.

  
• DOVE
  Hold 1st hand as BIRD, and put 2nd thumb hand, back forward-outward & fingers forward-inward, with edge of its palm on top of lower knuckles of 1st hand; then move 2nd hand outwards till in front of own shoulder.

  
• DOWN
  Hold 1st hand as POSITION, and put 2nd 1Pt h, 1st finger pointing downward & fingers forward-inward, with its back on underside of 1st hand.

  
• DOWNSTAIRS
  Hold 1st hand as WALL and put 2nd 1Pt h, 1st finger pointing outward-downward & fingers inward-downward, with elbow raised and lower knuckle of its 1st finger on tip of 2nd finger of 1st hand; then move 2nd hand outwards-downwards one hand's length.

  
• DOZEN
  Hold 1st 1st finger hand, back forward and 1st finger pointing upward, and at same time put 2nd V-hand, back forward and ¹ & 2nd fingers pointing upward, with side of its palm on side of 1st palm.
• DRAG
  Hold hands as for PULL but in line with one side; then move both hands together sideways till in line with other side.

  
• DRAGON
  Hold 1st hand as ANIMAL, and at same time with 2nd hand sign FIRE¹.
• DRAGONFLY
  Hold 1st hand as COLOUR, and at same time with 2nd hand sign FLY² (insect).

  
• DRAIN
  Hold 1st V-hand, back upward and 1 & 2 fingers pointing forward-inward, and put 2nd O-hand, back outward & fingers forward, with side of its thumb on balls of 1 & ² fingers of 1st hand; then keeping 1st hand stationary move 2nd hand downwards one hand's breadth.

  
• DRAPER
  Hold 1st hand as PERSON, and at same time hold 2nd hand as FABRIC.

  
• DRAUGHT
  Hold either SPREAD hand, back forward & fingers pointing inward-upward, at forehead-level in line with other side; then move hand outward-downwards till in front of own breast, back still forward & fingers inward-upward.

  
• DRAUGHTS (game)
  Hold 1st hand as RECREATION, and at same time hold 2nd thumb 1st finger hand, thumb and 1st finger pointing downward & fingers forward-inward; then with 2nd hand trace vertical upwards-forwards semicircle one hand's breadth diameter.
• DRAW¹
  Hold 1st hand as PAPER, and hold 2nd hand as for PENCIL but with tip of its 1st finger on 1st palm; then trace vertical upwards-forwards circle a half hand's breadth diameter on 1st palm.

  
• DRAW² (withdraw)
  Hold either FLAT hand, palm upward & digits pointing forward, in line with own side; then move hand backwards one hand's length at same time changing hand to COMPRESSED hand, digits pointing forward-upward & fingers forward-downward.

  
• DRAWBRIDGE
  With 1st hand sign WATER, and hold 2nd FLAT hand, back upward & digits pointing inward, one hand's breadth above 1st hand; then by wrist action tilt 2nd hand till back outward-upward & digits pointing inward-upward.

  
• DRAWER (furniture)
  Hold 1st hand as TABLE, and put 2nd CUPPED hand, palm upward & fingers forward-inward, with tip of its 2nd finger on centre of 1st palm; then move 2nd hand backward-outwards one hand's breadth.

  
• DRAWING-PIN
  Hold 1st thumb 1st finger hand, thumb and 1st finger pointing upward & fingers forward-inward, and put 2nd thumb hand, back forward-inward & fingers downward, with ball of its thumb on tips of thumb and 1st finger of 1st hand; then jerk both hands together downwards one hand's breadth.
• DREAD
  Hold both SPREAD hands, palms forward & fingers pointing upward, with one hand a hand's breadth in front of other hand; then keeping both hands in their relative positions jerk hands forwards one hand's breadth.

  
• DREADFUL
  sign DREAD - FUL.

  
• DREAM
  Hold 1st hand as SEE, and at same time with 2nd hand sign SLEEP.

  
• DRESS¹
  Put both thumb 1st finger hands, thumb and 1st fingers pointing downward & fingers forward-inward, with tips of their thumbs and 1st fingers on own breasts; then slide both hands downwards one hand's length.

  
• DRESS² (v.)
  sign CLOTHES; then slide both hands (thumb and 1st finger hands) upwards till tips of thumbs and 1st fingers on top of own shoulders, thumbs and 1st fingers pointing backward and fingers upward.
• DRESSING-GOWN
  Put both FLAT hands, backs outward & digits pointing downward, with palms on own sides, with elbows raised; then slide both hands forwards & inwards till they overlap at centre of body, backs forward & digits still pointing downward.
• DRESSMAKER
  Hold 1st hand as PERSON, and at same time with 2nd hand sign DRESS¹ but using that hand only.

  
• DRIBBLE
  With either hand sign WATER but with lower knuckle of thumb on centre of body; then move hand forwards one hand's breadth.

  
• DRILL (tool)
  Hold 1st hand as TOOL, and at same time hold 2nd 1st finger hand, back forward and 1st finger pointing inward; then with 2nd hand trace vertical upwards-forwards circle one finger breadth diameter: return to original position and repeat action.

  
• DRINK¹ (to drink)
  Hold either O-hand, back outward & fingers forward; then move hand backward-upwards till one hand's breadth below chin at same time turning hand till fingers upward, back still outward.

  
• DRINK² (liquid)
  Hold either O-hand, back outward and fingers forward, in line with own side.

  
• DRIP
  Hold 1st hand as CONTAINER, and put 2nd thumb 1st finger hand, thumb and 1st finger pointing inward & fingers forward, with tips of its thumb and 1st finger on lower knuckle of 4th finger of 1st hand; then move 2nd hand downwards one hand's breadth: return to original position and repeat action.

  
• DRIVE
  Hold both O-hands, backs outward & fingers forward, one hand's length apart; then move one hand upwards one hand's breadth, and at same time move other hand downwards one hand's breadth, and return to original position.

  
• DRIVER
  sign DRIVE - ER.

  
• DROP¹ (fall or let fall)
  Hold either CLOSED hand, back upward & fingers forward; then change hand to SPREAD hand, back still upward & fingers pointing forward.

  
• DROP² (of liquid)
  Hold either thumb 1st finger hand, thumb and 1st finger pointing downward & fingers forward-inward; then vibrate hand forwards & backwards.
• DROWN
  Hold 1st 1st finger hand, back outward and 1st finger pointing upward, at waist-level, and with 2nd hand sign WATER but at same time moving 2nd hand inwards till its palm is a half hand's breadth above tip of 1st hand.

  
• DRUG
  Hold 1st hand as SUBSTANCE, and put 2nd thumb hand, back upward & fingers forward, with tip of its thumb on nail of 1st thumb.

  
• DRUM
  Hold both 1Pths, 1st fingers pointing inward & fingers forward, with tips of 1st fingers one hand's breadth apart; then by wrist action turn one hand upwards till its 1st finger points inward-upward and at same time turn other hand downwards till its 1st finger points inward-downward: return to original position and repeat action.
• DRUNK
  Hold either O-hand, back outward & fingers forward, at neck-level; then trace horizontal forwards-outwards circle one hand's breadth diameter.

  
• DRY
  With either hand sign WATER; then move hand backward-outwards one hand's length at same time changing hand to CLOSED hand, back upward & fingers forward-inward.

  
• DUCK
  Hold 1st hand as BIRD, and with 2nd hand sign WATER but at one hand's breadth below 1st hand.

  
• DUE
  Hold 1st 1st finger hand, palm upward and 1st finger pointing forward-inward, and hold 2nd 1st finger hand, back upward and 1st finger pointing forward-inward with tip of its 1st finger one hand's length in front of tip of 1st finger of 1st hand; then move 2nd hand backward-inwards till mid knuckle of its 2nd finger is on mid knuckle of 1st finger of 1st hand.

  
• DULL¹
  Hold 1st hand as MIND, and at same time hold 2nd 1st finger hand, back upward and 1st finger pointing forward-inward, in line with other side; then move 2nd hand forward-outwards one hand's length.

  
• DULL² (bad light)
  Hold 1st hand as BAD, and with 2nd hand sign LIGHT² (illumination) but with side of its wrist on back of 1st hand.

  
• DUMB
  Put either FLAT hand, back forward & digits pointing upward, with tip of 1st finger on chin.

  
• DUMPLING
  Hold 1st hand as FOOD, and put 2nd hand held as THING but on top of thumb and 1st finger of 1st hand; then move 2nd hand upwards one hand's breadth.

  
• DURING
  Hold 1st hand as TIME, and put 2nd COMPRESSED hand, digits pointing downward & fingers forward-inward, with tips of its digits on centre of 1st forearm; then keeping tip of 2nd thumb in position slide tip of 4th finger of 2nd hand along 1st forearm to its wrist at same time changing to SPREAD hand, back upward & fingers pointing forward-inward.

  
• DUST
  With either hand sign POWDER, at same time tracing horizontal forwards-outwards circle one hand's length diameter.
• DUSTBIN
  Hold 1st hand as CONTAINER, and at same time with 2nd hand sign RUBBISH.

  
• DUSTER
  sign DUST - ER.

  
• DUTY
  With each hand simultaneously sign MUST.
• DWARF
  Hold either hand as PERSON; then move hand downwards one hand's length.

  
• DYE
  Hold 1st hand as COLOUR, and at same time with 2nd hand sign LIQUID.