Also see the sign for
For many years I've used the following sign to mean either MEXICO or SPAIN:
It is still a great sign and is used by many people to mean either of those
MEXICO (old version)
Now I'm going to show you the new sign that has replaced the older sign.
This new sign has spread and has become the "politically correct"
version of the sign for "Mexico."
I first saw this sign while living down in South East Texas. It was
shown to me by a Deaf
Mexican who was a sign language teacher (who lived in Mexico). He was visiting
Lamar University as part of an outreach event.
This is a very good
sign for Mexico since it is used by many Mexicans to refer to their country.
Hold a "V" hand up near your forehead and swing it forward twice as if
showing the front part of a sombrero (Mexican hat).
MEXICO (politically correct version)
In a message dated 9/6/2007 6:16:29 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
an ASL instructor writes:
I find your site remarkably accurate for ASL, and I recommend it to my
ASL students as a reference. (your
fingerspelling link is especially handy) Today, however, one of my
students came in to class with a sign for MEXICO that she found on your
site. I told her that although I've been signing and studying ASL for
over 30 years I'd never seen the sign she showed me. So I just now went
to your site and looked it up. I've never seen that one, ever. The one
we all use around here - and the only one I've seen (except for the
older politically uncorrect version of bandit) is using one or two
X-shapes coming from your shoulder(s) back down to the non-dominant hand
that is also X-shaped held out in front of your body. I can't believe
you haven't seen that one in Sacramento and resorted to using a sign
that someone from Texas showed you. But I tend to be very open-minded
about variations and will file that one away.
Just thought I'd throw in my two cents.
Thanks for bringing this up for discussion.
You make an excellent point regarding the popularity and current
dominance of the "X"-handshapes_("shawl") version of the sign for Mexico.
I used the "shawl" ("x" handshapes) sign for many years and it certainly
still belongs on the "Mexico" page as the citation (main) form,
with the "V" sign-(representing a sombrero) listed as a neologism
Note: The "V"-handshape sign-(representing a sombrero) is spreading very
rapidly as a "new" politically correct sign for Mexico because many Mexican
people use it as their preferred sign to refer to their own country. I
think it is important to point out that it wasn't a "Texan" that showed me
the sign, it was a Deaf Mexican Sign Language instructor who was visiting
Lamar University from Mexico. I would venture to predict that within 10
years the "V"-hand version will be the dominant variation in the United
States as well. Time will tell.
I appreciate your time and feedback.
In a message dated 9/8/2007 10:31:23 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, Jim
(an ASL instructor) writes:
Thanks for clearing that up. I appreciate your thinking.
So the deaf guy you learned it from was teaching MSL. I don't see
how referencing a sombrero is any less offensive than a serape. I
don't think I'll live long enough to see if your prediction comes
true. And don't get me started about all the new politically correct
signs . . . Takes a long while for those variations to get to the
rank and file Deaf people.
Although I must admit that I first learned the bandito version of
the sign for Mexico way back when - the M handshape with mask - and
the pushed nose version for blacks - so I guess I've bowed to
political correctness myself. If it takes over and predominates,
then I'll use it. I just can't warm up to some of the new signs such
as Japan. China and Africa but I see them used more and more. As you
say, time will tell. It's very interesting to review the various
changes in ASL over the many years I've been studying it. I'm sure
there's a book or research that's already looked at this - I even
probably read it at one time.
Hell, now I owe it to my students to teach them the PC sign for
Mexico. And inform them of it's derivation.
Thanks again - it's good to discuss these things with someone with
your brains and background.
In the "for what it's worth" column, I went to work the next day and asked
(separately) the first two co-workers I ran into how they
Sandra Thrapp (Deaf, 20 years as an ASL instructor) replied with the
"sombrero" sign and proceeded to show the "serape" and "bandit" signs as
Jennifer Rayman, (Hearing, Ph.D., studied under Carol Padden at UCSD) also
showed the "sombrero" sign as her first choice. So I reckon you might end
up living long enough after all. I think the "sombrero" version will spread
quickly since it helps "disambiguate" (clear up) the "serape/Mexico/Spain"
Well, you are a thorough guy. I stand corrected. I know Carol Padden and I
trust your sources as authentic. I will include this sign from now on. I'm
impressed that you did your own impromptu survey. I will do the same soon
I'm not sure what you mean by your last comment - Are you saying that this
sign is only used for MEXICO and not for Spain? If it is just an alternate
version for MEXICO/SPAIN/SPANISH/MEXICAN how does it
"disambiguate?" - gee, I
also learned a new English word from you. You're a wealth of knowledge.
Indeed, the new "MEXICO" sign (the "sombrero" - (V hand) version of the sign
for "Mexico") only means "Mexico" and does not refer to Spain. So now we have a sign for
Mexico that will not be confused with "Spain" and doesn't need to rely on
context or lip movement.
The "serape"-(X hand) sign for Mexico was ambiguous.
[Note: I do not know whether Carol uses the "sombrero"-(V hand) sign
or not. I'll have to ask her next time I see her. I was simply
pointing out that Jennifer studied under someone competent. Jennifer
(Dr. Rayman) is well traveled and has taught in England as well as here in the States.]
I'm a non-Hispanic, 30(+)-year Spanish-speaking, 20-year resident of San
Antonio, Texas, former employee of Mexicana de Aviación, and a beginning ASL
student at San Antonio College.
Jim said: <<So the deaf guy you learned it from
was teaching MSL. I don't see how referencing a sombrero is any less
offensive than a serape. >>
I found the above statement interesting and perhaps can shed a little "luz"
The sombrero, in my observation, is a sign of pride in Mexican culture and
heritage. It is worn by charros, escaramuzas, mariachis, and popular
singers, to name just a few. See references below signature.
I'm guessing that the derivation of the MSL sign for Mexico is a reference
to this cultural pride. The sombrero sign is clearly different from the
shawl/serape/flag signs used for Spain or Spanish. It's also
non-gender-specific, compared to the "mustache" sign.
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we can respect the diversity of the
Spanish-speaking community in both spoken and signed language. Now to find
the signs for Venezuela, Argentina, Puerto Rico...!
Gilder Anne McCarroll
Known as "Gilder"
San Antonio, TX, USA
Note the references to sombreros in the information below:
<<... the parade is a serious event for the charro. Each charro is dressed
in his finest, with matching pants, jackets, bows, boots and sombreros.>>
<<The women in the parade are called escaramuza, highly trained not only in
horse"man"ship but also recognized for beauty, skill, grace and poise. ...
Dresses are full, allowing the women to ride traditional European
side-saddle. Ankle boots are worn, matching their full sombrero.>>
Source: Vallarta Online | News | Charro Day
<<When for the first time mariachis could afford to outfit themselves
elegantly, they chose the suit of the horseman or traje de charro. The gala
version of this suit wom by contemporary mariachis-with its tightly-fitting
ornamented pants, short jacket, embroidered belt, boots, wide bow tie, and
sombrero-was once the attire of wealthy hacienda owners. [see charro).>>
<<More than just the undisputed king of Mexico's traditional ranchera music,
Vicente Fernández -- "El Idolo de Mexico" -- is one of that country's most
recognizable and influential cultural icons. >>
<<With his supersized sombreros, prominent black mustache, and
eye-popping costumes, ..., the glitzy Fernández on-stage is an imposing,
Source: Vicente Fernandez Biography - AOL Music
You can learn American
Language (ASL) online at American Sign Language University ™
by Lifeprint.com © Dr. William Vicars