How to Say “Sign For” in ASL

In American Sign Language (ASL), expressing the concept of “sign for” can be done through different methods, depending on the context and level of formality. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways of conveying this concept in ASL, while also providing tips, examples, and addressing regional variations when necessary.

Formal Ways to Say “Sign For” in ASL

When speaking formally in ASL, you can use specific signs to represent the concept of “sign for.” Here are a few formal ways to express this:

1. Fingerspelling: One formal method to express “sign for” in ASL is through fingerspelling the phrase “sign for.” To do this, fingerspell the letters S-I-G-N, followed by F-O-R using the manual alphabet.

2. Compound Signs: Another formal approach is to use compound signs to represent “sign for” in a more concise manner. Here are a couple of examples:

• AGENT/PERSON + CHARACTERIZE: Start with the sign for “AGENT” or “PERSON,” move your dominant hand up and slightly forward while using a “characterize” motion to represent “sign for.”
• BORROW + SIGN: Begin with the sign for “BORROW,” followed by the sign for “SIGN” using a double movement to depict “sign for.”

Informal Ways to Say “Sign For” in ASL

When conversing informally in ASL, you may use more casual methods to convey the idea of “sign for.” Here are a couple of informal approaches to express this concept:

1. Pointing: In informal settings, a straightforward method to say “sign for” is to simply point towards the person or thing that you are referring to. For instance, if you want to ask someone to “sign for this document,” you could point towards the document while signing “SIGN.”

2. Contextual Clues: Another informal way to express “sign for” is to rely on contextual clues. For example, if you are already discussing signing and want to refer to someone signing on behalf of another person, you can use appropriate facial expressions, gestures, and eye gazes to clarify your intention.

Regional Variations in ASL

Although ASL is a predominantly standardized language, slight regional variations can occur. It is important to note that the examples provided for both formal and informal ways to say “sign for” are widely recognized throughout most ASL communities. However, there might be subtle regional differences in interpreting this concept. Therefore, it is always beneficial to familiarize yourself with the local signing customs and consult with local ASL users or resources if you are in a specific region.

Tips and Examples

Here are some additional tips and examples to help you understand and utilize the concept of “sign for” in ASL:

Tips:

• Always consider the context and level of formality before choosing the appropriate method to express “sign for” in ASL.
• When in doubt, fingerspelling “sign for” is a safe and formal way to convey the concept.
• Pay attention to facial expressions and body language, as they play a crucial role in conveying meaning in ASL.

Examples:

Here are a few examples to illustrate the use of “sign for” in different scenarios:

1. In a formal setting:

Person A: How do you request someone to sign for a package in ASL?

Person B: To sign for a package formally, you can fingerspell S-I-G-N, followed by F-O-R. Another option is to use compound signs like AGENT/PERSON + CHARACTERIZE or BORROW + SIGN.

2. In an informal context:

Person A: Do I just point to the document and sign?

Person B: Yes, in informal situations, you can simply point to the document and sign “SIGN.” It will imply the concept of “sign for.”