Learning how to ask how are you in American Sign Language requires moving past direct English translations and embracing visual grammar. You aren't just signing individual words; you're using spatial orientation, body language, and non-manual signals to convey an open, genuine inquiry.
When you sign how are you, you combine the directional sign for you with the descriptive motion of how, framed by specific facial expressions. This article breaks down the exact handshapes, grammatical rules, and cultural context you need to sign this phrase naturally and respectfully.
The Core Signs: Breaking Down How Are You
American Sign Language has its own syntax that doesn't follow English word order. To ask about someone's wellbeing, you use two primary components: the sign for you and the sign for how.
The sign for you is straightforward. You extend your dominant index finger and point it directly at the person you're addressing. If you're asking multiple people, you sweep your index finger across the group from left to right.
The sign for how requires a flat handshape. Start with your dominant hand in a modified B handshape—fingers extended together and thumb tucked across your palm—near your chin. Rotate your hand upward and outward so your palm faces forward.
Step-by-Step Signing Instructions
- Establish clear eye contact with the person you're addressing.
- Point your index finger directly at them to establish the pronoun you.
- Bring your dominant hand to your chin with a flat handshape and the palm facing inward.
- Twist your wrist outward so your palm ends up facing forward while lifting the hand slightly.
- Hold your final hand position and facial expression slightly longer than a standard sign to mark the question.
The Critical Role of Non-Manual Signals
In spoken English, your vocal intonation turns a statement into a question. In ASL, your face and upper body provide that grammatical function. Without the correct non-manual signals, your attempt to ask how someone is doing might look like a random declaration.
When asking yes-no or open questions like how are you, you must engage your facial muscles. Raise your eyebrows, widen your eyes slightly, and tilt your head forward. This signals to your conversation partner that you are actively waiting for an answer.
Non-Manual Checklist
- Raise both eyebrows upward.
- Tilt your head slightly forward toward the listener.
- Maintain steady, polite eye contact.
- Avoid smiling too broadly unless the context is casual and warm.
According to the National Association of the Deaf, non-manual grammar carries equal weight to manual handshapes in ASL communication. Omitting facial expressions changes the entire grammatical structure of your sentence.
Formal Versus Informal Variations
Just like spoken languages, ASL adapts to social settings. How you sign to a close friend differs from how you address an elder, a boss, or someone you've just met at a professional event.
In casual settings among peers, signers often drop the explicit sign for how and rely entirely on facial expression, or use shorthand variations like what's up. Conversely, formal settings demand a slower, more deliberate pace with crisp handshapes and respectful posture.
Social Context Adjustments
- Casual Settings: You can sign faster, drop the explicit you sign if context makes it obvious, and use a relaxed posture.
- Formal Settings: Enunciate each sign clearly, maintain longer eye contact, and add a sign for please or respect if appropriate.
- Group Settings: Adjust your signing arc to include everyone in the circle by panning your index finger across the room.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
New learners often struggle with muscle memory and linguistic interference from English. Recognizing these common errors helps you correct your form before bad habits settle in.
One frequent mistake is finger-spelling or signing the word are. ASL grammar absorbs auxiliary verbs into the spatial mechanics of the sentence, making a separate sign for are completely unnecessary.
Another error is keeping a blank, neutral expression while moving your hands. If your face doesn't show the question marker, native signers might misinterpret your intent. You can practice in front of a mirror to ensure your eyebrows stay raised during the entire phrase.
Troubleshooting Guide
- Stiff Handshapes: Relax your wrist. Tension makes the transition between you and how look mechanical.
- Rushing: Don't rush through the signs. Give each sign a clear beginning and end point.
- Lack of Eye Contact: Never look down at your hands while signing. ASL requires your eyes to stay on your conversational partner to catch feedback and subtle cues.
Cultural Nuances of Checking In
Asking how someone is doing in Deaf culture carries a different social weight than the casual, rushed greeting common in many English-speaking workplaces. When a Deaf person asks how you are, they generally expect an honest, open response rather than a dismissive fine.
Building genuine rapport means you should be prepared to converse about your day, health, or mood if you initiate this question. Rushing past the response or ignoring what the other person signs signals a lack of genuine engagement.
For more insights into Deaf culture and community norms, you can explore resources provided by Gallaudet University, a premier institution for deaf and hard-of-hearing education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sign the word are when asking how are you in ASL?
No. ASL grammar omits auxiliary verbs like are, is, and am. The relationship between the pronoun and the question sign is handled through spatial positioning and context.
Can I use whats up instead of how are you?
Yes, in casual conversations with friends or peers, the sign for what's up is very common. However, stick to the standard how are you formula in formal or unfamiliar environments.
Why do my eyebrows need to be raised when I sign questions?
Raised eyebrows act as a grammatical question marker in ASL. It replaces the vocal inflection used in spoken languages to let the listener know a response is required.
How do I respond when someone asks me how I am?
You can respond with simple signs like good, fine, tired, or busy, followed by pointing back to the other person to return the question.
