American Sign Language

The sign for "red" is made by stroking your lips one time with the tip of your index finger.
The sign can also be made by forming the letter "R" with your right hand--but why? The "index finger" version works just fine and means "red" without needing the more complex "R" handshape. This is ASL -- not "English on the hands."

Notice in this example how I change the "index" finger into an "x" hand? Or you can just leave it as an index finger. Either variation is fine.
You will also see this sign done with a double motion.

Optional Discussion No need to read.
In a message dated 11/28/2008 11:47:47 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, Tracie writes:

Dear Dr. Bill,
To answer a question you posed on your website:
Question: You can use the R-handshape to sign the word 'red', but why?
Answer: To distinguish it from the word "pink" which uses the same motion with a P-handshape where the middle finger crosses the lips. (???)
--Tracie

Dear Tracie,
Ah yes, but we still don't "need" to use an "R" for "RED" to distinguish it from PINK. PINK uses a "P" hand and thus is different from the "index-finger handshape" used in RED. So, the citation (main or standard) form of RED still uses an "index finger." The "R" hand version is a "variation."
Dr. Bill

Red