Grammar
In ASL, this grammatical structure is used to indicate that an action is happening over a long period of time or repeatedly. It usually involves a circular or elliptical movement of the sign.
Aspect
Unlike Hearing culture, where breaking eye contact might be seen as shy, in Deaf culture, breaking eye contact during a conversation is considered this.
Rude or disrespectful
This is the handshape used for the sign "SORRY."
"A" handshape
Signs related to the male gender (like "FATHER" or "BOY") are typically located in this area.
Forehead
The signs "SCHOOL" and "PAPER" look similar, but "PAPER" uses this specific movement.
When using Spatial Agreement, if you are talking about a person who is not present, you must do this to establish their location in your signing space.
What is "indexing" or "setting up a point in space"?
While Hearing people often use short exits, Deaf "goodbyes" are famously known for being this.
Long
The signs "MY," "YOUR," and "THEIR" all share this specific handshape, which represents possession.
If you move the sign "SUMMER" from the forehead down to the chin, you have changed the location and accidentally signed this word instead.
For the sign "STOP," the palm of your dominant hand should be facing this direction.
Sideways
This type of verb incorporates the subject and the object by changing the direction of the movement (e.g., from "me" to "you").
Directional verb
When trying to get the attention of a Deaf person who is looking away, this is the most common and socially acceptable physical method.
Though they have different locations and movements, the signs "I-LOVE-YOU" and "FLY" (airplane) share this handshape.
"ILY" handshape
This is the specific location for the sign "KNOW."
Temple
To change the sign "SIT" into "CHAIR," you must change the movement in this way.
Double movement
To show that an action occurred "all day" or "all night," you would use this type of ASL modification, which involves a slow, weighted, and elongated movement.
Temporal Aspect
In Deaf culture, when you are late to a class or meeting, it is culturally appropriate to do this rather than just slipping in quietly.
Providing a brief explanation or reason for being late
This handshape is used for the sign "SEARCH" or "LOOK-FOR," often moved in a circular motion in front of the face.
"C" handshape
The sign "FEEL" is located on this part of the body.
Middle of the chest
For the sign "CHILDREN," the palm orientation is facing this way as you pat the air.
Palm down
How do you sign "conjunctions" like and, but, or because?
ASL often uses spatial mapping or pauses rather than signing a direct word for "and."
This term refers to the shared history, values, and language of the Deaf community, emphasizing that they are a linguistic minority rather than a group with a "disability."
Deaf Culture
To sign "DURING" or "WHILE," you use two of this specific handshape moving forward from the chest.
"1" handshape
Changing the location of the sign "MOTHER" from the chin to the forehead changes the meaning to this.
Father
The sign "MAYBE" uses a "flat-hand" handshape with this specific alternating movement.
Up-and-down movement