RESPECT in sign language

How to sign "respect" in American Sign Language (ASL)?

Definition: To admire (someone or something) deeply, as a result of their abilities, qualities, or achievements; a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.

Pronunciation (sign description): Two-handed (formal citation) or one-handed (informal/casual register) "R" hands (handshape) with the palm(s) facing sideway (orientation) starts on the forehead (location) and moves outward or forward away from the forehead (movement).

Grammar: This sign can be inflected in verb agreement with pronouns or nouns.

You can inflect this verb. E.g. RESPECT-HIR (her/him). Handshape: European T. Also HAT TIP.

Related signs: ADMIRE, HONOR, REVERE.

The Respect postage stamp

On 2017 April 11, The US Postal Service unveiled a new stamp honoring Deaf Studies teacher, Robert Panara (1920-2014), who taught at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and Gallaudet University in Washington, DC for 40 years. With his great love for literature, he encouraged his students to explore literature in sign language (ASL).

Respect postage stamp
Image source: USPS via qz.com

The image on the two-ounce stamp known as a "forever stamp" shows Panara signing the word "respect". Ref

Usage/Grammar

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