FAVOR in sign language

Whether you are in favor of something in a meeting or you feel preference for something, Deaf people use different signs for these in American Sign Language.

ASL signs for 'favor'

Meaning: To feel or show approval or preference for.

Pronunciation/articulation: The tip of the middle finger of the dominant hand taps on the chin. The handshape is like "8" with the open thumb.

Usage examples: "Can you do me a favor?" (ASL glossed as: MIND-not #DO ME FAVOR\/).

This sign is a common use in ASL-speaking deaf children, especially at preschool age (same true for hearing preschoolers in spoken language). "That is my favorite!" Sounds familiar? If not, ask your mom.

Or, like other teenagers, Deaf students in high schools might use this sign in a sentence like "Well, his type of clothing is not my taste" or "He's not my type." Same sign but with a different mouth morpheme.

Learner tip: Hearing students are often confused by these common signs: PREFER, FAVORITE, and TASTE. Deaf native-signers aren't confused by these! For beginners, practice contexts.

Variations: For a more stress or emphasis, the movement is one time with a bit longer and stronger motion along with a facial expression.

Usage examples: "like the most", "my all-time favorite".

Meaning: To approve, advocate, or support; in favor of.

Usage examples: "Who is in favor of his motion?"

Phonological variation may be the dominant palm orientation like SUPPORT.

Related signs: SUPPORT, RECOMMEND, ENDORSE...

Opposite: OPPOSE.

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If you cannot find (perhaps overlook) a word but you can still see a list of links, then keep looking until the links disappear! Sharpening your eye or maybe refine your alphabetical index skill. :)

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ASL has its own grammar and structure in sentences that works differently from English. For plurals, verb inflections, word order, etc., learn grammar in the "ASL Learn" section. For search in the dictionary, use the present-time verbs and base words. If you look for "said", look up the word "say". Likewise, if you look for an adjective word, try the noun or vice versa. E.g. The ASL signs for French and France are the same. If you look for a plural word, use a singular word.