Greetings! If you’re interested in American Sign Language (ASL) and wondering how to say “who” in this beautiful visual language, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways of expressing “who” in ASL, while also providing some useful tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Who” in ASL
When it comes to formal ASL, it’s essential to understand the grammatical structure while expressing “who.” We use different signs depending on the context. Let’s dive into it:
Sign for “Who” as a Subject
When using “who” as a subject in a sentence, you typically initiate the sign by pointing your index finger upwards towards the person or group being referred to. Then, move your finger in a small circular motion.
Example:
In ASL, to ask, “Who is coming to the party?” you would sign: Point your index finger upwards and make a small circular motion, then sign “party.” Finally, raise your eyebrows slightly to indicate it’s a question.
Sign for “Who” as an Object
When using “who” as an object in a sentence, start by placing your index finger on your chin, then move your finger forward slightly, extending your arm towards the person or group being referred to.
Example:
If you want to ask, “Who did you see at the store?” in ASL, you would sign: Place your index finger on your chin, move it forward slightly, then sign “store.” Add raised eyebrows to show it’s a question.
Informal Ways to Say “Who” in ASL
Informal ways of expressing “who” in ASL often involve the use of facial expressions along with signs, making the conversation more dynamic and expressive. Here are a couple of examples:
Facial Expression for “Who”
In informal settings, you can express “who” by raising your eyebrows significantly and widening your eyes while signing other relevant signs. This helps convey the question more effectively.
Example:
Suppose you encounter a friend signing about meeting someone interesting. You can respond with an expression of surprise by raising your eyebrows and widening your eyes while signing “who” to indicate you want to know more.
Pointing with Facial Expressions
Another informal way to ask “who” in ASL is by pointing at the person you are referring to while using appropriate facial expressions. This method is commonly used in casual conversations.
Example:
Imagine someone pointing towards a group of people socializing. You can join the conversation by pointing at that group and wearing a questioning expression to convey your interest in knowing who specifically.
Tips for Expressing “Who” in ASL
Now that we’ve covered the formal and informal ways of saying “who” in ASL, here are some additional tips to help you become more proficient:
- Practice Facial Expressions: Facial expressions play a crucial role in ASL. Learn to convey emotions and questions effectively through your facial expressions.
- Study Sentence Structure: Understand how ASL sentence structure works. This will enable you to place the “who” sign correctly within a sentence.
- Pay Attention to Context: Ensure you fully understand the context before using the sign for “who.” This will help you ask relevant questions and engage in meaningful conversations.
- Seek Feedback: Interaction with the ASL community is invaluable. Regularly practice with Deaf or fluent ASL users and ask for feedback on your signing skills, including the sign for “who.”
Regional Variations
While ASL is a standardized language across the United States, minor regional variations exist. These variations can include differences in signs or certain phrasings. However, for the sign “who,” the differences are minimal and can easily be understood by broader ASL users.
Remember, the goal of ASL is effective communication. If you come across a regional variation for “who” in ASL during your signing journey, embrace the diversity and adapt accordingly.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned various ways to say “who” in both formal and informal contexts in American Sign Language (ASL). Practice is key, so keep immersing yourself in ASL conversations, learning from the ASL community, and refining your skills. With dedication, you’ll become a proficient ASL user, able to ask “who” seamlessly in any setting!
