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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