Start with your dominant hand in a '1' handshape, with your index finger pointing forward and your palm facing slightly to the side. Move your hand slightly forward toward the person you are asking. As your hand moves forward, bend your index finger down into an 'X' handshape.
Establish where your teacher is standing in your signing space, then move the 'ASK' sign directly toward that location. This directional movement shows exactly who you are asking without needing extra words.
Because 'ASK' is a directional verb, you can change the meaning by changing the direction of the movement. Start the sign away from your body and pull it toward yourself, bending the finger as it gets closer to you.
Point to the person you are referring to, then sign 'ASK' moving in their direction. Remember to raise your eyebrows at the end of the sentence to indicate that this is a yes/no question.
Establish where your teacher is standing in your signing space, then move the 'ASK' sign directly toward that location. This directional movement shows exactly who you are asking without needing extra words.
Because 'ASK' is a directional verb, you can change the meaning by changing the direction of the movement. Start the sign away from your body and pull it toward yourself, bending the finger as it gets closer to you.
Point to the person you are referring to, then sign 'ASK' moving in their direction. Remember to raise your eyebrows at the end of the sentence to indicate that this is a yes/no question.
In ASL, verbs do not change their form or add endings to show past tense. Instead, you establish the timeframe at the beginning of your sentence using a time sign like 'YESTERDAY' or 'PAST'. Once the past tense is established, you simply use the standard sign for 'ASK'.
While this sign is perfect for asking a question or inquiring about information, asking for a favor or requesting an item often uses a different sign. For 'request,' you would typically place your palms together and pull them toward your chest.
'ASK' is a directional verb, also known as an agreement verb. This means the movement of the sign shows who is doing the action and who is receiving it. Moving it away from you means 'I ask you,' while moving it toward you means 'You ask me.'
