How To Sign The Basic Asl Question Words (Who, What, Where)

Embark on a journey to master fundamental American Sign Language (ASL) question words, a vital step in unlocking effective and nuanced communication within the Deaf community. Understanding how ASL question words are structured and utilized offers a fascinating glimpse into the linguistic differences that make ASL a rich and expressive language.

This guide will illuminate the specific signs for WHO, WHAT, and WHERE, providing clear, step-by-step instructions, along with essential visual cues and contextual examples. We will explore how these core question signs are integrated into natural ASL conversations, highlighting the crucial role of non-manual markers in conveying meaning and distinguishing questions from statements.

Introduction to Basic ASL Question Words

Understanding fundamental American Sign Language (ASL) question signs is crucial for engaging in effective and fluid communication within the Deaf community. These signs serve as the building blocks for inquiries, allowing you to gather information and express curiosity. Mastering them is a significant step towards fluency and confident interaction.The structure and grammar of ASL questions often differ from their English counterparts.

While English relies heavily on word order and auxiliary verbs to form questions, ASL utilizes specific non-manual markers (facial expressions and body language) and distinct signs for question words. Recognizing these differences is key to both understanding and producing ASL questions correctly. This guide will focus on three essential ASL question words that form the basis of many everyday inquiries: WHO, WHAT, and WHERE.

ASL Question Word Signs: WHO, WHAT, WHERE

The following section details the specific signs for the basic ASL question words: WHO, WHAT, and WHERE. Each sign is accompanied by a description of its formation and movement. It is important to remember that the accompanying facial expression is as vital as the handshape and movement in conveying the interrogative nature of these signs.

• WHO: This sign is used to inquire about a person or people. The handshape is a ‘W’ (three fingers extended, thumb tucked). The dominant hand moves from the forehead outward and slightly downward, with a furrowed brow and a head tilt indicating a question.
• WHAT: This sign is used to ask about an object, action, or concept. The dominant hand forms a ‘flat hand’ (palm open, fingers together, thumb alongside). The hands move from a closed position near the chest outward and upward, ending with palms facing upward and a slightly raised eyebrow.
• WHERE: This sign is used to ask about a location or place. The dominant hand forms the letter ‘W’ (three fingers extended, thumb tucked). The hand moves back and forth horizontally in front of the body, accompanied by a side-to-side head movement and raised eyebrows.

To effectively use these signs, practice them with the appropriate non-manual markers. A raised eyebrow generally signifies a yes/no question, while a furrowed brow is common for ‘wh’ questions like these. The specific movement and facial expression for each sign convey its distinct meaning.

Demonstrating the Sign for WHO

Understanding how to form the sign for “WHO” is fundamental for engaging in basic ASL conversations. This sign is used to inquire about the identity of a person or people. Mastering its execution, including the correct handshape, facial expression, and movement, will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in ASL.The sign for “WHO” is a versatile and commonly used sign.

It’s important to pay attention to the nuances of its formation to ensure clear communication. This section will break down the sign into manageable steps, offer visual cues, and provide context for its usage.

Physical Formation of the Sign for WHO

The sign for “WHO” is formed with a specific handshape and movement. It is crucial to execute these elements precisely to convey the intended meaning accurately.The handshape for “WHO” involves forming a “W” with your dominant hand. To do this, extend your middle, ring, and pinky fingers upwards, while keeping your thumb and index finger together, forming the shape of the letter “W.” The palm of your hand should face outwards, away from your body.

The sign is then performed with a slight flick of the wrist, moving your hand forward and slightly downward, as if pointing towards the person or people you are asking about.

Visual Cues and Facial Expressions for WHO

Facial expressions play a vital role in ASL, especially when asking questions. For the sign “WHO,” a curious and inquiring expression is essential.When signing “WHO,” your eyebrows should be slightly raised, indicating a question. Your eyes should be directed towards the person or the general area you are asking about. A slight tilt of the head can also accompany the sign, further emphasizing the questioning nature of the communication.

These non-manual markers are as important as the hand movement itself in conveying the question clearly.

Common Contexts and Situations for WHO

The sign “WHO” is used in a wide array of everyday situations where identifying a person is necessary. Its application is straightforward and intuitive.Here are some common contexts where the sign “WHO” is used:

• Asking for the name of an unknown person: “WHO is that?”
• Inquiring about the person responsible for an action: “WHO did this?”
• Seeking to identify a participant in an event: “WHO is coming to the party?”
• Clarifying a reference to a person: “WHO are you talking about?”
• When introducing oneself or others and asking for the other person’s identity.

Example Sentence Using the Sign WHO

To illustrate the practical application of the sign “WHO,” consider the sentence: “WHO is your teacher?” This sentence demonstrates how the sign is integrated into a complete ASL thought.The sentence “WHO is your teacher?” is signed as follows:

• Handshape: Dominant hand forms the “W” handshape, with middle, ring, and pinky fingers extended and thumb and index finger together.
• Location: The sign starts near your forehead and moves slightly forward.
• Movement: A small, quick flick of the wrist moves the “W” handshape forward and slightly down.
• Facial Expression: Eyebrows are raised, and eyes are directed towards the person being asked.
• Additional Signs: The signs for “YOUR” and “TEACHER” would follow the sign for “WHO.” The sign for “YOUR” is made with an open palm facing the person you are addressing, and the sign for “TEACHER” involves forming a “T” handshape and moving it from the forehead downwards.

Demonstrating the Sign for WHAT

The ability to ask “what” is fundamental to building comprehension and engaging in meaningful communication in American Sign Language. This sign allows you to inquire about objects, actions, or concepts, making it an indispensable tool for learners. Understanding its formation and nuances will greatly enhance your ASL fluency.This section will guide you through the precise physical movements, accompanying facial expressions, and practical applications of the sign for “WHAT.” We will also provide a clear sentence example to illustrate its usage in context.

Physical Formation of the Sign for WHAT

The sign for “WHAT” is formed with a distinct handshape and movement that is easily recognizable.

1. Handshape: Begin with both hands in a flat “B” handshape. This means your fingers are together and extended, with your thumb resting alongside your palm.
2. Location: Bring your hands up to approximately shoulder height.
3. Movement: Rotate your hands outward and inward simultaneously, as if you are shrugging your shoulders with your hands. The palms should initially face each other and then turn to face outward as you complete the movement. The movement is a gentle, repeated rotation.

Visual Cues and Facial Expressions

Facial expressions are crucial in ASL to convey the interrogative nature of a sign. When signing “WHAT,” your eyebrows should be slightly furrowed, indicating a question. Your head may tilt slightly forward. A curious or questioning look on your face will naturally accompany the sign, reinforcing its meaning.

Common Contexts and Situations for Using WHAT

The sign “WHAT” is used in a wide variety of everyday situations to seek information.

• Identifying Objects: When you don’t recognize an object or want to know its name. For example, seeing an unfamiliar tool and signing “WHAT?”
• Clarifying Actions: To understand what someone is doing or has done. If you see someone gesturing, you might sign “WHAT?” to ask about their action.
• Seeking Explanations: When you need more information about a topic or situation. For instance, if someone mentions a new event, you could ask “WHAT?” to learn more details.
• Asking for Definitions: To understand the meaning of a word or concept.

Sentence Example Using WHAT

Let’s construct a simple sentence using the sign for “WHAT.” Sentence: “WHAT THAT?” (Meaning: What is that?) Handshape: Both hands are in a flat “B” handshape. Location: The hands are brought up to shoulder height. Movement: The hands perform the outward and inward rotation. Immediately after signing “WHAT,” your index finger points towards the object or person you are inquiring about, followed by a slight tilt of the head and raised eyebrows.

This pointing action serves to specify what “that” refers to.

Demonstrating the Sign for WHERE

Now that we have explored “Who” and “What,” let’s move on to another fundamental ASL question word: “Where.” Understanding how to ask about location is crucial for navigating conversations and gathering essential information. This section will guide you through the formation, usage, and contextual application of the sign for “Where.”The sign for “Where” is a versatile and frequently used sign in American Sign Language.

It is essential for asking about the location of people, objects, or events. Mastering this sign will significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in ASL.

Forming the Sign for WHERE

The sign for “Where” is characterized by its distinct handshape, location, and movement. It is important to execute these components precisely to ensure clarity and understanding.Here is a step-by-step description of how to form the sign for “Where”:

• Start with both hands in a “Y” handshape. This means your index finger and pinky finger are extended upwards, while your thumb, middle finger, and ring finger are curled down towards your palm.
• Position your hands in front of your body, typically at chest or shoulder height.
• Simultaneously move both hands outwards from your body, in a slight arc, as if you are indicating a broad area or asking “over here and over there.” The movement should be fluid and deliberate.

Visual Cues and Facial Expressions for WHERE

Facial expressions play a vital role in ASL, conveying nuance and emotion, especially when asking questions. For the sign “Where,” your facial expression should reflect curiosity and inquiry.When signing “Where,” it is customary to:

• Maintain a neutral to slightly furrowed brow. This subtle furrowing indicates you are asking a question.
• Slightly tilt your head. A gentle head tilt can also emphasize the questioning nature of the sign.
• Maintain eye contact with the person you are signing to. This direct engagement is crucial in ASL communication.

These non-manual markers are as important as the hand movement itself in conveying the interrogative nature of the sign.

Contexts and Situations for Using WHERE

The sign “Where” is used in a wide array of everyday situations when seeking information about location. Its application is broad and fundamental to daily interactions.Common contexts where the sign “WHERE” is utilized include:

• Asking for the location of a person: “Where is Mom?”
• Inquiring about the whereabouts of an object: “Where is my phone?”
• Seeking directions: “Where is the nearest bus stop?”
• Asking about the location of an event: “Where is the party?”
• Confirming a place: “Where is the library located?”

In essence, any time you need to know the physical placement or whereabouts of something or someone, the sign “Where” is the appropriate choice.

Sentence Example Using WHERE

To illustrate the practical application of the sign “Where,” consider the following sentence example. This example will detail the handshape, location, and movement involved in a common ASL question.Let’s construct the sentence: “Where are you going?”For this sentence:

• Sign for WHERE: Both hands form a “Y” handshape, held at chest height, and move outwards in a slight arc.
• Sign for YOU: Point your index finger towards the person you are addressing.
• Sign for GOING: This sign involves two “F” handshapes (index finger and thumb touching, other fingers extended) moving from your dominant shoulder forward, indicating movement away.

The sequence would be WHERE, YOU, GOING. The facial expression would remain inquisitive throughout.

Integrating Question Words into ASL Sentences

Now that we understand the individual signs for “WHO,” “WHAT,” and “WHERE,” the next crucial step is to learn how to effectively incorporate them into complete ASL sentences. This involves understanding typical sentence structures, practicing with real-life dialogues, and recognizing the significant role of non-manual markers.ASL sentence structure for questions often differs from English, and mastering this integration will greatly enhance your fluency and comprehension.

We will explore common patterns and how these question words function within them.

ASL Sentence Structures with Question Words

ASL often follows a Topic-Comment structure, which can also apply to questions. The question word can appear at the beginning or end of the sentence, depending on emphasis and clarity. Understanding these variations is key to natural ASL communication.Here are some common ASL sentence structures incorporating “WHO,” “WHAT,” and “WHERE”:

• Topic + Comment + Question Word: This structure introduces the subject or topic first, then provides a comment about it, and finally asks the question.
  • Example: “FRIENDS PLAYING” (topic/comment) “WHO?” (question word)
    -Meaning: “Who are the friends playing?”
  • Example: “YOUR BOOK” (topic/comment) “WHERE?” (question word)
    -Meaning: “Where is your book?”
  • Example: “PARTY” (topic/comment) “WHAT?” (question word)
    -Meaning: “What is the party about?” or “What’s happening at the party?”
• Question Word + Topic + Comment: In some cases, the question word can lead the sentence for directness.
  • Example: “WHO” (question word) “YOU MEET” (topic/comment)
    -Meaning: “Who did you meet?”
  • Example: “WHAT” (question word) “THAT” (topic/comment)
    -Meaning: “What is that?”
  • Example: “WHERE” (question word) “GO” (topic/comment)
    -Meaning: “Where are you going?”
• Statement + Question Word (for clarification/confirmation): Sometimes, a statement is made, and then a question word is used to seek more information or confirmation.
  • Example: “YOU GO STORE.” (statement) “WHAT?” (question word)
    -Meaning: “You’re going to the store. What are you getting?” or “What are you buying?”

Practical Dialogue Examples

Engaging in dialogue is the best way to internalize these structures. These examples demonstrate how “WHO,” “WHAT,” and “WHERE” are naturally used in conversation. Dialogue 1: Meeting a New PersonPerson A: “HELLO.” (Greeting)Person B: “HELLO.” (Greeting)Person A: “YOU FRIEND?” (Statement/Question)Person B: “YES. MY FRIEND.” (Affirmation)Person A: “WHO?” (Question word, asking to identify the friend)Person B: “SARAH.” (Name sign) Dialogue 2: Asking About an ObjectPerson A: “MY KEYS MISSING.” (Statement)Person B: “OH NO.

WHERE?” (Question word, asking for location)Person A: “I DON’T KNOW.” (Statement)Person B: “WHAT YOU DO LAST?” (Question word, asking about recent actions)Person A: “GO STORE. EAT LUNCH.” (Statements)Person B: “MAYBE AT RESTAURANT?” (Suggestion/Question) Dialogue 3: Planning an EventPerson A: “PARTY THIS WEEKEND.” (Statement)Person B: “FUN! WHAT?” (Question word, asking about the nature of the party)Person A: “BIRTHDAY PARTY.” (Statement)Person B: “WHO INVITED?” (Question word, asking about guests)Person A: “MANY PEOPLE.” (Statement)Person B: “WHERE PARTY?” (Question word, asking for location)

Placement of Question Words: ASL vs. English

The placement of question words in ASL can be more flexible than in English, where they typically initiate the question. While ASL does allow question words at the beginning, the Topic-Comment structure with the question word at the end is very common and natural.

• English: “Who is coming?” (Question word at the beginning)
• ASL: “COME WHO?” (Topic/Comment + Question Word) or sometimes “WHO COME?” (Question Word + Topic/Comment)
• English: “What are you doing?” (Question word at the beginning)
• ASL: “YOU DO WHAT?” (Topic/Comment + Question Word) or “WHAT YOU DO?” (Question Word + Topic/Comment)
• English: “Where did you go?” (Question word at the beginning)
• ASL: “YOU GO WHERE?” (Topic/Comment + Question Word) or “WHERE YOU GO?” (Question Word + Topic/Comment)

The ASL structure “YOU DO WHAT?” emphasizes the action (“DO”) and then asks for clarification (“WHAT”), whereas “WHAT YOU DO?” directly asks for the information about the action. Both are grammatically correct and contextually appropriate.

Non-Manual Markers in ASL Questions

Non-manual markers (NMMs) are essential for distinguishing questions from statements in ASL, especially when the sentence structure might otherwise appear declarative. Facial expressions and body language convey the interrogative nature of the utterance.Here’s how NMMs play a crucial role:

• Eyebrow Movement: For yes/no questions, eyebrows are typically raised. For WH-questions (like “WHO,” “WHAT,” “WHERE”), eyebrows are usually furrowed or lowered. This is a critical cue.
• Head Tilt: A slight head tilt towards the side often accompanies a question, indicating that the signer is seeking information.
• Eye Contact: Maintaining direct eye contact with the person you are asking a question to is vital. It signals engagement and the expectation of a response.
• Mouth Morphemes: Specific mouth movements can sometimes accompany certain signs or question types, though eyebrow and head movements are generally more consistent for question identification.
• Body Posture: Leaning slightly forward can also indicate that you are asking a question and are engaged in seeking an answer.

For instance, if you sign “YOU GO STORE” with neutral eyebrows and a steady posture, it’s a statement. However, if you sign the same words with furrowed eyebrows and a slight head tilt, it becomes the question, “Are you going to the store?” Similarly, signing “YOU GO WHERE” with furrowed eyebrows and a head tilt clearly signals a “WHERE” question, differentiating it from a declarative statement.

The NMMs provide the grammatical function of the question mark in written English.

Visualizing the Signs

Understanding the visual components of ASL signs is crucial for accurate comprehension and production. The way a hand is shaped, how it is oriented, and the specific movement it makes all contribute to the meaning of a sign. For question words, these visual cues are particularly important as they help distinguish between different interrogative concepts.Let’s break down the visual elements of the basic ASL question words: WHO, WHAT, and WHERE, and then compare their core components.

Sign for WHO: Detailed Description

The sign for WHO is characterized by a specific handshape and a distinct movement.The handshape involves extending the index finger upwards while curling the remaining fingers into the palm. The thumb can rest against the middle finger or be held alongside it.The palm orientation is typically directed towards the signer or slightly outwards.The movement begins with the extended index finger near the forehead, often tapping or making a small circular motion in front of the temple area.

This motion signifies the act of questioning or seeking information about a person.

Sign for WHAT: Detailed Description

The sign for WHAT utilizes an open and expressive handshape.The handshape is an open palm with the fingers spread wide apart, and the thumbs extended outwards. This open hand gesture conveys a sense of openness and inquiry.The palm orientation is usually facing upwards, as if presenting something to be identified.The movement involves a slight flick or outward motion of the wrists, causing the fingers to spread even further.

This dynamic movement emphasizes the act of asking “what.”

Sign for WHERE: Detailed Description

The sign for WHERE shares a handshape with WHO but differs significantly in its movement.The handshape is the same as for WHO: the index finger is extended, and the other fingers are curled into the palm.The palm orientation can vary, often facing downwards or sideways, depending on the context of the question.The movement is a distinct side-to-side swaying or alternating motion of the extended index finger.

This back-and-forth movement visually represents the search for a location.

Comparison of Core Handshapes and Movements

To better understand the nuances of these essential question words, let’s compare their defining characteristics in a table. This comparison highlights how subtle differences in handshape and movement create distinct meanings.

Question Word	Handshape	Movement	Facial Expression
WHO	Index finger extended, rest of fingers curled	Circular motion near the forehead	Slight furrowed brow, questioning look
WHAT	Open palm, fingers spread, thumbs extended	Slight upward and outward flick of the wrists	Eyebrows raised, head tilted slightly
WHERE	Index finger extended, rest of fingers curled	Alternating side-to-side movement of the index finger	Eyebrows raised, head tilted

Closing Notes

As we conclude our exploration of WHO, WHAT, and WHERE in ASL, we hope you feel empowered to incorporate these essential question words into your signing repertoire. Mastering these fundamental signs is a significant stride toward more fluid and meaningful interactions, opening doors to deeper connections and a richer understanding of the ASL language. Continue practicing and engaging, and you’ll find your confidence and fluency grow with every conversation.