How to Sign "Take Turns" in American Sign Language

In American Sign Language (ASL), "take turns" is commonly taught as a single directional sign. You form an L handshape with your dominant hand and pivot it at the wrist so it points first toward one person and then toward the other, going back and forth. The movement shows the turn passing between people. This guide covers the basic form, how to adjust it for "my turn" and "your turn," and how to check your signing on camera. The handshape and movement described here are not backed by a supplied dictionary source, so compare them against a trusted reference before you rely on them.

Which sign language this covers

There is no single universal sign language. This guide describes ASL, the sign language most widely used in the United States. British Sign Language, Russian Sign Language and other national sign languages have their own vocabularies, and their sign for "take turns" may look completely different. Those variants are not covered here. If you are signing with someone who uses a different sign language, ask them or a qualified instructor for the correct form.

Step by step: the ASL sign for "take turns"

• 1. Make an L handshape with your dominant hand: index finger pointing out, thumb pointing up, other fingers curled into the palm.
• 2. Hold the hand in front of your body at about chest height. Keep your wrist relaxed.
• 3. Pivot at the wrist so the index finger points toward the person you are taking turns with.
• 4. Pivot back so the index finger points toward yourself.
• 5. Repeat the back-and-forth motion to show the turn being passed repeatedly.

How direction changes the meaning

Like many ASL verbs, this sign is directional. The way the hand moves shows who is doing what:

• Your turn: one pivot that ends pointing toward the other person.
• My turn: one pivot that ends pointing toward yourself.
• Taking turns: repeated pivots between the two of you.
• Taking turns in a group: the movement can sweep across several positions in front of you to show the turn moving around.

Facial expression is part of ASL grammar. Raised eyebrows, for example, can turn a statement into a yes/no question such as "Is it my turn?" A fluent signer can show you how expression and movement combine for the meaning you want.

Checking your signing on a video call

If you plan to use the sign on a video call, several separate things need to work. The browser or app needs permission to use your camera. The camera then has to capture a live image. Finally, the call connection has to deliver that image clearly enough for the other person to read your hands. A camera that is detected but shows a frozen or blurry picture will not carry signing well.

• Framing: keep your hands, chest and face fully in view. Signing often happens at chest level, which a tight head-and-shoulders crop can cut off.
• Lighting: light your face and hands from the front so your handshape and expression are visible.
• Background: a plain physical background makes hand movement easier to see. Virtual background effects can blur or partly erase fast-moving hands, so try turning them off if your signing looks broken up.
• Self-view check: open your camera preview or record a short clip, sign "take turns" a few times, and watch it back. Confirm the L handshape and the direction of each pivot are clear.

Verifying the sign and what this guide cannot confirm

This guide was written without a confirmed dictionary entry or video reference for the sign. Regional variation also exists within ASL, so it does not claim that the form above is the only accepted one. To verify it, compare your signing with an established ASL dictionary that shows video, or ask a Deaf signer or certified ASL instructor. If someone you sign with regularly uses a different form, follow their usage in your conversations.