HOW in sign language

This entry shows you how to say "how" and variations in sign language (ASL) as well as how to sign the common greeting question, "how are you?" and how the ASL-speaking toddler acquires the sign. Plus, a tip on how to learn sign language.

ASL signs for HOW

There are several signs for "how" in American Sign Language; a few of them were used in the old times. The question is how can you use them?

Definition: In what way or manner; by what means; used to ask about the condition or quality of something.

Pronunciation/articulation: Dominant "10" handshape (palm orientation facing left) twisting once while in contact with passive "10" handshape.

Usage examples in contexts (note that these English sentences are not ASL; they only give examples of contexts): "How do you know?", "How are you?".

Variation.

Pronunciation/articulation: Dominant "10" handshape (palm orientation facing left) twisting twice while in contact with passive "10" handshape.

Usage examples: "How did she/he know?!" as in how did they find out? translated/glossed as "IX KNOW HOW?!", "How does it work?" translated/glossed as "IX WORK HOW\/" (where the symbol \/ represents burrowed eyebrows for wh-questions).

"How are you?" sentence

For the common English greeting question, "how are you?", watch the ASL translation below:

As you might notice, there is no "ARE" in it as ASL has its own grammar and determiners. Remember ASL is not signed English. It's its own language.

Toddler signing "how"

In general, toddlers answers simple "where" questions at age 1-2 by looking, choosing, or pointing to something. At age 2-3 years, toddlers ask simple "what" and "where" questions. Then, they use "how" at age 2-3 years.

"HOW" variations

Old variation; still used today in the 21st century but less used.

Pronunciation/articulation: The tip of the dominant "15" handshape twisting while in contact with the tip of the passive "15" handshape.

Another old variation; still used today in the 21st century but less used.

Pronunciation/articulation: Both 15-handshape (palm orientation facing signer) hands in contact twisting forward.

Beyond basics: HOW phrases

How many?

Meaning: Used to ask about an amount; what number.

ASL student tip: Be sure to furrow your eyebrows for a WH-question.

How much?

Meaning: What price?

Vocabulary

Other WH-questions: WHAT, WHICH, WHERE, WHEN, WHY, WHO.

Deaf/Sign Language History

This sign was seen signing by George Veditz in his 1913 film, "The Preservation of American Sign Language".

Clearly, it has been used for a very long time! But, it has become less commonly used than the other ones since the 1980s. Apparently, this original sign has evolved into the modern form.