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Expressing love transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries. The ILY (I Love You) handshape, used in American Sign Language (ASL), is a widely recognized symbol of affection and unity. While the words “I love you” can have different translations and may not always be understood universally, the ILY handshape remains a powerful and universal symbol of love.
Although it might not be understood in every sign language or culture, its message of warmth and goodwill resonates far and wide. The ILY handshape brings smiles and spreads love wherever it’s seen, showcasing the beauty of expressing love in a way that transcends language barriers.
The ILY Handshape: What is the ILY Handshape?
The ILY handshape is a sweet and simple way to say “I Love You” in American Sign Language (ASL). To make this gesture, raise your thumb, index finger, and pinky while keeping your middle and ring fingers down. Originating from ASL, primarily used by the Deaf community in the United States and Canada, the ILY handshape combines the letters I, L, and Y to symbolize “I Love You.” Its simplicity and positive message have made it a popular symbol of love and affection, used to express sentiments like good-bye, good-night, and apologies. Variations like “good-bye-ILY” and “good-night-ILY” are common among close friends and family. This gesture, with its deep roots in ASL, continues to be a cherished symbol within the Deaf community and beyond, spreading warmth and affection with just one hand.
The linguistic complexity of ASL and English
Both American Sign Language (ASL) and English are recognized as formal linguistic systems with complex structures. Contrary to outdated misconceptions that viewed ASL as “monkey language,” it is, in fact, a complete and natural language with its own unique grammar and syntax. ASL, like English, is a fully developed linguistic system capable of conveying complex ideas and emotions.
William Stokoe, often referred to as the Father of ASL, was a hearing professor at Gallaudet University who played a crucial role in establishing ASL as a legitimate language. He discovered that ASL possesses all the properties of a true linguistic system, similar to spoken languages. This recognition has been pivotal in elevating the status of ASL within the academic and Deaf communities.
ASL is expressed through movements of the hands and face; and serves as the primary language for many North Americans who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. It has a rich grammatical structure that, while different from English, is equally complex and capable of nuanced expression.
English, known for its intricate grammar and syntax, shares this linguistic richness with ASL. Both languages demonstrate that true language can be expressed in multiple modalities, whether spoken or signed, each with its own set of rules and expressive capabilities. This highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting the diversity of human language and communication.
Interesting facts and cultural importance
Using the ILY handshape with respect and understanding is important. For the Deaf community, it holds deep cultural and emotional value. Thoughtful use can promote understanding, while misuse can reduce its impact. There have been several instances when hearing people have misunderstood the ILY handshape and innocent people have been hurt and, in several cases, lost their lives. Such is the case of a 25-year old Deaf man in Chicago who was fatally shot by a teenager because he mistook the man’s hand signals as a gang sign.
Positives in the deaf community
The ILY (I Love You) handshape is a powerful symbol within the Deaf community, representing unity and mutual support. This simple gesture effectively conveys positive emotions, fostering goodwill and affection. Globally recognized, the ILY handshape bridges communication gaps between Deaf and hearing people, raising awareness about Deaf culture and sign language. Its frequent use in media and public events highlights its importance as a symbol of Deaf Pride and cultural identity.
Positives in the hearing community
The ILY (I Love You) handshape offers several benefits for the hearing community. Its simplicity makes it easy for hearing individuals to learn and use, fostering inclusive communication. This gesture can function as a bridge to Deaf culture, serving as an entry point for hearing people to engage with and learn more about Deaf culture and American Sign Language (ASL). Moreover, the ILY handshape conveys a universally understood message of love and goodwill, transcending language barriers. By encouraging the use of non-verbal communication, it promotes inclusivity and positive interactions within diverse communities.
The confusion of similar handshapes
The ILY (I Love You) handshape is a cherished symbol of love and unity within the Deaf community. However, it can sometimes be confused by hearing people who might attribute different meanings to similar finger configurations.
For example, the Hard Rock sign—made by extending the index and pinky fingers while the thumb holds down the middle and ring fingers—symbolizes rock and roll.
Similarly, the Hang Loose sign, or “shaka,” involves extending the thumb and pinky while curling the other fingers, originating from Hawaiian surf culture to convey a relaxed sentiment.
Some gang signs can also resemble the ILY handshape when oriented differently, leading to potential misunderstandings.
Recognizing these similarities is crucial to ensure clear communication and avoid misinterpretations due to the varied cultural and contextual meanings of these gestures. There is also a risk of TOKENISM, where hearing people might use the ILY gesture superficially without engaging deeply with Deaf culture and language, thereby undermining its intended significance.
Understanding the proper contexts of these handshapes helps maintain the ILY gesture’s true meaning and fosters genuine connections across different communities.
Not a Universal Language, but a True Universal Symbol of ILY
The ILY (I Love You) handshape is like a little hug from American Sign Language (ASL) to the world! While it’s not a universal language, it carries a heartwarming message of love and connection that many people recognize. This special gesture is deeply rooted in ASL and holds unique cultural and linguistic significance within the Deaf community. Even though it may not be understood across all sign languages and cultures, the ILY handshape beautifully symbolizes a universal feeling of affection and positivity. So, while it might not speak every language, many feel its warm embrace!
International true facts: the ILY Handshape
When I spoke to my friend Sariyah Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur, she explained that the ILY handshape isn’t a universal sign because each mother tongue lacks an exact translation that matches the ASL gesture. For example, in Malay, “Saya cinta padamu” and “Aku cinta padamu” convey “I Love You” but don’t visually match the ILY handshape.
I also learned from my friend Nancy Goduto in Toronto about Brazil’s unique version of the ILY handshape. Her friend, who used to live in Brazil, uses a “3” (frontward) handshape to say, “I Love You.” Though not universal, both the ILY and the “3” handshapes uniquely convey the sentiment of love.
True and fun facts about the ILY Handshape:
Presidential Endorsement
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter used the ILY handshape during his 1977 inauguration parade, becoming the first president to use sign language at a public event, which was a significant gesture of inclusion.
Marvel Superheroes
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, characters like Spider-Man use the ILY handshape in their poses, helping spread awareness of its meaning to a global audience.
Social Media Influencers
Deaf influencers, including Nyle DiMarco and Angela Lynn, host of The Angela Lynn Show, use the ILY handshape in their posts to advocate for Deaf culture and sign language, increasing visibility and awareness.
Emoji Inclusion
The ILY handshape was added as an emoji in 2017, allowing widespread use on platforms like WhatsApp, X , Instagram, and Facebook, and increasing its global visibility and adoption.
Prominent use of the ILY Handshape
The ILY (I Love You) handshape is widely used by both Deaf and hearing people to show support and promote inclusion. It is often seen in various contexts:
Public Events
The ILY handshape is frequently used at public events to demonstrate solidarity with the Deaf community. For instance, former U.S. President Barack Obama has used it to show his support for inclusivity.
Media and Entertainment
TV hosts, such as Richard Dawson during his tenure on *Family Feud* from 1976 to 1985, incorporated the ILY handshape into their shows, making it a familiar and beloved gesture for many viewers.
Social Media
Influencers and advocates use the ILY handshape in their posts to raise awareness about Deaf culture and encourage inclusive communication.
These uses highlight the ILY handshape’s significance as a symbol of love and unity. Its widespread adoption helps raise awareness about Deaf culture and the importance of inclusive communication. The ILY handshape is appreciated by both Deaf and hearing communities for its simplicity and positive message. For Deaf people, it represents a cherished part of their cultural identity, while for hearing people, it can be a meaningful gesture of inclusion and goodwill. Recognizing and respecting the nuances of this handshape can enhance communication and foster greater understanding.
By appreciating the different perspectives and contexts of the ILY handshape, we can promote a more inclusive and respectful environment for everyone. Whether used by political leaders, athletes, artists, or everyday people from all walks of life, the ILY handshape remains a timeless symbol of love and connection. Embracing its significance helps bridge cultural divides, fostering unity and mutual respect across communities from all levels of society.
If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to contact me at angelalynn@theangelalynnshow.com