To do the sign for "gold" point
your index finger at your ear lobe and then move your hand away from your ear
as you change the handshape into the letter "y." End with a very
small shake.
GOLD:
Also see:
SILVER
Notes:
The sign for "gold" is seems pretty likely based on the concept of a "gold
ear ring." You point to where the ear ring is at (your ear lobe) and
then you indicate that it is yellow.
Sometimes students tell me that their local teacher or Deaf friend does the
sign GOLD by using a "G"-hand instead of a "Y"-hand and they want to know
which version is "right."
Of course you should sign "GOLD" however it is signed in your local Deaf
community (native multi-generational signers). If you want to get an "A" in
your ASL class you should of course do it however your instructor likes to
see it done.
I will suggest however that the "G"-hand version is considered more of an
English-like sign.
I think it is good to know and recognize both versions but I
recommend my own students stick with the classic "Y"-hand version
because of its strong ties to the sign for CALIFORNIA ("the golden state").
See:
CALIFORNIA
