Finger-Trill Symbols
...unspecified alternating of the fingers...

Opening Single Finger-Trill Sign for ALGUNAS in Spanish Sign Language from Madrid   Closing Single Finger-Trill Sign for ROBAR in Spanish Sign Language from Madrid

Single Finger-Trills From The Knuckle Joint Unspecified alternating of the fingers, one at a time opening or closing in one direction. One finger, then the next finger, then the next and the next.This is a called a Single Finger-Trill. The Single Finger-Trill Symbols do not tell you which finger opens first. Instead they generally inform the reader that there is one trill of the fingers, either opening or closing. The symbols are useful for native signers who already know the language, and need a quick way to record signs they already know. Although the Finger-Trill Symbols were available on the SignWriter Computer Program keyboard in 1995, their first use was documented in Madrid, Spain around 1998. Now the Finger-Trill Symbols are taught in the new textbook: SignoEscritura (SignWriting), by Steve and Dianne Parkhurst, Madrid, 1999. Portions of the textbook will be posted on the web in time.

WAIT in American Sign Language   FIRE in American Sign Language   FRIENDLY in American Sign Language

Multiple Finger-Trills From The Knuckle Joint Unspecified alternating of the fingers multiple times up and down. One finger closes, then the next finger closes, then the next and the next, and then it all reverses direction. This is a multiple trill. The symbol does not give detailed information. There is no way to know which finger started the trill, or which one finished. This symbol is commonly used in American Sign Language and is also explained on this page: Knuckle-Joints Open & Close With Fingers Alternating.