How to Say "Nonverbal" in Sign Language

The short answer

American Sign Language (ASL) has no single sign that matches the English word "nonverbal" word for word. Signers usually express the idea by meaning rather than by translating the English. Common approaches are to combine the sign for NOT with a sign meaning TALK, SPEAK or VOICE, or to fingerspell the word. Which one fits depends on what you mean by "nonverbal" and on the people you are signing with.

Sign languages are not universal. This guide refers to ASL, the main sign language used in the United States. British Sign Language, for example, is a separate language with different signs.

First, decide which meaning you need

In English, "nonverbal" has two common uses, and they are signed differently.

• A person who does not speak aloud, such as someone who communicates by typing, gestures, a speech-generating device or sign. Here you are describing the absence of spoken words.
• Nonverbal communication in general, such as body language, gestures and facial expressions. Here you are describing a kind of communication, not a person.

If you mix these up, your signing may convey something other than what you intend, so settle on the meaning before choosing a sign.

Describing a person who does not speak

A widely used way to express this is to sign NOT and then a sign for talking or using the voice, giving a meaning close to "doesn't talk" or "doesn't use voice."

• NOT: make a fist with your thumb pointing up, place the tip of the thumb under your chin, and flick it forward, away from your chin.
• TALK or SPEAK: these signs are made at the mouth, usually with the index finger moving forward from the lips. Several related versions exist, so check one in a reputable ASL video dictionary before relying on it.
• Facial expression: a slight head shake while signing NOT reinforces the negation. In ASL, facial expressions and head movements are part of the grammar, not optional extras.

A note on wording: many people who do not speak aloud, including many autistic people, prefer "nonspeaking" to "nonverbal." Their reason is that they do use language, just not spoken language. A sign meaning "doesn't talk" fits "nonspeaking" well. When you are describing a specific person, use the term they prefer.

Talking about nonverbal communication

To refer to body language or nonverbal communication as a topic, signers may combine signs such as BODY and LANGUAGE, or fingerspell the term. ASL already depends heavily on facial expression, eye gaze and body position. As a result, a Deaf conversation partner may treat the idea differently from an English speaker. Explaining what you mean in a few signs is often clearer than looking for a single equivalent.

Fingerspelling as a fallback

Fingerspelling means spelling an English word letter by letter with the manual alphabet. Spelling N-O-N-V-E-R-B-A-L is always available, especially when you need the exact English term, for example when quoting a document or a diagnosis. In everyday conversation, fluent signers usually prefer a sign phrase that conveys the meaning.

Checking that your signing is understood

• Compare your handshape, location and movement with a video from a reputable ASL dictionary or course, not with a written description alone.
• Ask a fluent or Deaf signer whether your phrase communicates the meaning you intend. This is the most reliable check.
• Ask about local usage. Signs can vary by region, community and generation, so the people you are signing with are the best guide.

Gaps in this guide

No verified source material on a specific standard sign for "nonverbal" was available for this article. The descriptions above reflect general ASL principles and common sign combinations, not a confirmed dictionary entry. Text cannot fully show movement or facial expression, so confirm the signs with video references or a qualified ASL teacher before using them in important conversations.