How do you clap in sign language?

Answer 1

While clapping is possible for any person who has two hands, as a expression of appreciation toward a deaf person who cannot hear, the sound produced is sort of pointless. You will see deaf people clap if they are expressing appreciation of a hearing person who can hear the sound of two hands hitting each other or if a deaf person is going along with a largely hearing audience. Deaf people and audiences often use their hands to show appreciation to performers or speakers but in an entirely soundless way. Follow me: raise both your hands to about shoulder level by bending your elbows, keeping them loosely by your sides. Fan your fingers out comfortably -- palm out. At this point you should be in a "surrender" position either standing or sitting. Now rotate your wrists back and forth to the left then right (or right then left, if you prefer). Continue rotating your wrists with fingers spread back and forth for as long as you want to express your appreciation to the speaker or performer. This gesture is sometimes referred to, in theatrical circles, as "jazz hands", though I'm not sure if the deaf community has a name for it.

Answer 2

To clap in sign language, hold both hands up with palms facing each other and then bring them together, making a clapping motion. You can also use a one-handed clapping motion by tapping the back of one hand with the open palm of your other hand.