How to Sign Story in American Sign Language

The short answer

In American Sign Language (ASL), STORY is usually signed with both hands in front of your chest. On each hand, the thumb and index finger pinch together. The hands meet, link or brush at the fingertips, and then pull apart. The motion repeats two or three times, as if you were drawing strands out of one another or linking pieces of a chain.

One point changes the answer: sign language is not universal. This guide covers ASL, the sign language most widely used in the United States and English-speaking Canada. British Sign Language, Auslan and other sign languages have their own signs for story. If you need a sign language other than ASL, look up that language specifically.

Step by step

• 1. Handshape: On both hands, touch the tip of your thumb to the tip of your index finger, making a small loop. Relax or extend the other fingers.
• 2. Starting position: Hold both hands in front of your chest at a comfortable height, with the palms roughly facing each other.
• 3. Contact: Bring the hands together so the pinched fingertips meet or link.
• 4. Movement: Pull the hands a short distance apart, either sideways or slightly outward from your body.
• 5. Repetition: Bring the hands back together and repeat the link-and-pull motion two or three times in a smooth, continuous rhythm.

Variations and related meanings

Some signers start with the hands slightly open and close the thumb and index finger as the hands draw apart. Others keep the pinch closed throughout and simply link and separate the hands. You will also see small differences in hand height and how far apart the hands travel. These are normal regional and personal variations, and most signers will understand any of them in context.

The same sign often covers "story" and "tell a story." Context, facial expression and the signs around it usually make the meaning clear. To talk about stories in general or about telling a long story, signers may repeat or extend the movement. These finer distinctions are worth confirming with a fluent signer, because this guide is not based on a reviewed source for them.

How to check that you are signing it correctly

• Compare yourself against a reference: Watch a video of the sign from a reputable ASL dictionary or a Deaf instructor, then copy it while watching yourself in a mirror. Check that your handshape, starting position and movement match.
• Check the handshape: Both hands should show a clear thumb-to-index pinch, not a fist or a flat hand.
• Check the rhythm: The movement should repeat smoothly. A single pull can look like a different sign.
• Ask for feedback: A mirror can confirm what your hands are doing. Only a fluent signer can confirm that the sign reads naturally and is understood.

Limitations of this guide

This description follows the commonly taught ASL form of STORY. It was not checked against a specific dictionary entry or video for this article. Written descriptions also cannot fully capture movement, timing or facial expression. Before you rely on the sign in an important conversation, confirm it with a video reference or a Deaf signer.