KSL — The Living Grammar
A gentle, practical guide to Kenyan Sign Language — sentence rhythm, common signs, and teaching-ready charts.
1. Basic Sentence Structure
In KSL the grammar often moves like an old river — mostly Subject → Verb → Object (SVO), and in casual speech you will meet the Topic → Comment form. Facial expression and body posture are the punctuation of feeling and tense.
Example — I EAT UGALI → (point to chest) + (hand to mouth) + (flat circular motion near mouth).
Example — YOU LIKE MUSIC? → (point) + (rub chest) + (fingers move near ear, rhythmic) + raised eyebrows for a question.
2. Common Subjects (Pronouns)
| Concept | Sign Description |
|---|---|
| I / Me | Point to chest |
| You | Point to person |
| He / She | Point sideways (gender-neutral) |
| We | Move finger in a small inclusive circle |
| They / Them | Sweep your hand to the side to show a group |
3. Common Verbs (Action Words)
Signs often mimic the action — learning the shape of a sign helps you remember its meaning.
| Verb | KSL Sign Description |
|---|---|
| EAT | Bring flat hand or fingers to mouth |
| DRINK | Tilt hand to mouth like holding a cup |
| GO | Move flat hand forward, palm down |
| COME | Move hand toward yourself |
| SIT | Two fingers rest on two fingers (like a seated figure) |
| STAND | Two fingers placed upright on left palm |
| WALK | Index and middle finger “walk” forward |
| WORK | Closed fists tap each other alternately |
| LIKE | Rub chest in a small circle |
| WANT | Pull both hands toward yourself, palms slightly cupped |
| SEE / LOOK | "V" hand from eyes outward |
| READ | Move “V” fingers down open palm (like scanning text) |
| WRITE | Mimic pen on left palm |
| KNOW | Tap forehead with fingertips |
| THINK | Circle finger near temple |
| SAY | Tap chin or point from mouth outward |
| HELP | Closed fist (left) with "A" shaped right hand lifting it |
4. Common Objects & Nouns
| Object | Sign Description |
|---|---|
| FOOD | Hand to mouth (general) |
| WATER | "W" hand taps chin |
| BOOK | Open hands as if opening a book |
| HOUSE | Outline roof shape with both hands |
| SCHOOL | Palms together, open twice (like light clapping) |
| CHICKEN | Index + thumb peck motion near mouth |
| FRIEND | Hook index fingers together alternately |
| MONEY | Rub fingers together |
| PHONE | Thumb to ear, pinky to mouth (phone handshape) |
5. Common Question Words
| Word | How to Sign |
|---|---|
| WHAT | Palms up, wiggle fingers slightly with questioning face |
| WHERE | Index finger moves side to side |
| WHO | "L" hand near chin, small circular motion |
| WHEN | Index finger circles above wrist or near face |
| WHY | Touch forehead then pull hand down into a "Y" shape |
| HOW | Both hands bent, knuckles touching; roll outward |
| WHICH | Both thumbs up, alternate up-down motion |
| YES | Nod fist up and down |
| NO | Pinch index and middle finger together (like closing a beak) |
6. Example Phrases
| English | KSL Translation |
|---|---|
| What is your name? | YOU NAME WHAT (raised brows) |
| I am happy | I HAPPY (smile) |
| Where are you going? | YOU GO WHERE (head tilt) |
| Do you want food? | YOU WANT FOOD (raised brows) |
| I like chicken | I LIKE CHICKEN |
| Thank you | Flat hand from chin outward |
| Sorry | Fist circles on chest |
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