Dominant vs. Non-Dominant Hand

Question

Hi y’all, as the title says - I’m having a bit of a tough time dealing with hand dominance in ASL. I know it only matters with some signs, but as I’m just now starting in-person classes I’d rather figure this out sooner than later. I’m left-handed in my daily life (writing, etc.) however until now I’ve been learning online and I’ve just been mirroring instructions with my right hand. So now I’m pretty adept with my right hand for finger-spelling, general signs as well. Is it better to just keep using my right hand or should I switch over to my left since that is my dominant hand for daily life?

Answer 1

I suggest you use your dominant hand which would be your left hand. Better to get used to this now before you get too far along. Not doing so will likely lead to switching hand dominance while you are signing which is not good form. You also may likely never have the control and fluency that is necessary to become fluent in movements with your non-dominant hand.

Answer 2

It’s an easy answer, what hand do you use to pick up a fork? That’s the hand you used to sign with, you’re non-dominant hand issues as a base for two handed sides

Answer 3

Good question, as all other instructions/ tutors mentioned here. It is best for you to switch your domain hand. Basically, if you want to use one hand signed to talk secretively, quickness, or finger spell word with your domain hand where have more motor hand skill control than other non-domain hand. Through time it will develop sensory become more sensitive than other non-domain hand. My domain hand is right hand and I finger spell fluent with right hand then left hand. So, if you get stuck with signing non-domain hand then want to finger spell using your domain hand it would look "funny, slower your conversation skills".

Other example, if you want to create a storytelling explaining two person talking in between. Domain hand usually do the talk and non-domain hand would do "head- hand close fist" shows you talking to other person. There are more skills too developed with using domain and non-domain hand. My fiancée is left hand and I would notice sometimes she used wrong hand to signed. People who have fluent in ASL or teachers may notice while other casual people might not. So, don't worry or pressure yourself too much about using correct hand. You would want to feel most comfortable and become fluent by using domain hand.

Answer 4

I advise staying with your left hand. It can confuse many people if you switch hands without a reason.

Answer 5

The most important thing about hand dominance is that you use the same hand consistently so, choose the hand that feels the most natural to you; you shouldn't have to think about it. Generally, it should be the stronger of the two because in ASL, it is the one that moves, while the non-dominant hand is more stationary.

Answer 6

I agree with William's answer above; it would be best to switch to your daily life dominate hand now, before it gets to complicating.

Also, if you are struggling with which hand is supposed to be dominated, as a rule if thumb, when there is a dominate hand - the dominate hand usually is the one doing the movement and the non-dominate is stationary.