Build Profession Signs
Practice common profession signs that use the PERSON ending, including teacher, interpreter, lawyer, programmer, and artist.
Watch First
Use these short PocketSign clips to see the movement before you practice.
If we take COOK and PERSON, we get CHEF.
If we add DRIVE and PERSON, we get DRIVER.
If we take LEARN and add PERSON, we get STUDENT.
Learn It
Start with the simple version, then practice it with real signs.
Once the pattern feels clear, try it with more job signs.
Many job signs are easy to understand because the first part shows the work.
LAW plus PERSON means lawyer. PROGRAM plus PERSON means programmer.
When you are learning a new profession sign, check whether the dictionary form already includes the PERSON ending.
Try It
Practice slowly. Watch how the hand movement changes the meaning.
- English:The teacher is here.Decide the job sign:Build TEACHER with TEACH plus PERSON.Now sign: + ending .
- English:My cousin is an interpreter.Decide the job sign:Build INTERPRETER with INTERPRET plus PERSON.Now sign: + ending.
- English:The lawyer works today.Decide the job sign:Build LAWYER with LAW plus PERSON.Now sign: + ending .
Simple Examples
Read the ASL line first. A dark green pill names the hand movement or lack of extra movement.
Common Mistake
Do not invent a job sign just because English ends in "-er." Use this pattern for common forms, then check the dictionary video when you are unsure.
A little more grammar
The detailed reference explains that ASL builds many profession nouns with a sequential ending. In this lesson, the practical rule is enough: learn the base sign and copy the complete job form from real examples.