To sign 'are you', point your dominant index finger directly at the person you are addressing. Crucially, you must raise your eyebrows and tilt your head slightly forward, which is the ASL grammar for a yes/no question. There is no separate sign for 'are', so the meaning is conveyed entirely through the sign for 'you' combined with this questioning facial expression.
Sign 'hungry' and then point to the person while keeping your eyebrows raised to indicate that it is a yes/no question.
Sign 'ready' and 'go', then point to the person you are asking, making sure your eyebrows are clearly raised.
Sign 'student' and then point to the person with your index finger, using the raised-eyebrow facial expression to ask the question.
Sign 'hungry' and then point to the person while keeping your eyebrows raised to indicate that it is a yes/no question.
Sign 'ready' and 'go', then point to the person you are asking, making sure your eyebrows are clearly raised.
Sign 'student' and then point to the person with your index finger, using the raised-eyebrow facial expression to ask the question.
ASL is a distinct language with its own grammar rules, and it does not use 'to be' verbs like 'am', 'is', or 'are'. Instead, the relationship between the subject and the description is understood through context, word order, and facial expressions.
Yes! In ASL, raised eyebrows are the grammatical marker for yes/no questions. If you point to someone without raising your eyebrows, you are simply stating 'you' rather than asking them a question.
You should use your index finger. Pointing with your index finger means 'you', while pushing a flat open palm toward the person means 'your' (possessive). Using the correct handshape is important for clarity.
