To sign 'authority,' start by holding your non-dominant arm horizontally across your torso to create a base. Form an 'A' handshape with your dominant hand, palm facing your body, and place it near your non-dominant shoulder. Finally, bring your dominant hand down in a firm, sweeping arc to land solidly on your non-dominant forearm.
Sign 'principal,' then use the firm downward motion of 'authority' to emphasize their power, followed by 'change rules.' A confident facial expression helps convey the weight of their position.
Sign 'she speak,' then sign 'authority.' Make sure your body language and facial expression are assertive to show that her words carried weight, command, and deep knowledge.
Point around in a circle to indicate 'here,' sign 'authority,' and then sign 'who.' Remember to furrow your eyebrows at the end, which is the standard ASL facial grammar for 'wh-' questions.
Sign 'principal,' then use the firm downward motion of 'authority' to emphasize their power, followed by 'change rules.' A confident facial expression helps convey the weight of their position.
Sign 'she speak,' then sign 'authority.' Make sure your body language and facial expression are assertive to show that her words carried weight, command, and deep knowledge.
Point around in a circle to indicate 'here,' sign 'authority,' and then sign 'who.' Remember to furrow your eyebrows at the end, which is the standard ASL facial grammar for 'wh-' questions.
While an expert is sometimes called an 'authority' on a subject in English, this specific sign is typically used for someone with administrative power, control, or jurisdiction. For 'expert,' it is better to use the specific ASL sign for 'expert' or 'skillful.'
You don't need to hit your arm hard enough to hurt yourself! A firm, controlled tap is perfect. The sense of authority comes more from the deliberate, confident arc of the movement rather than the physical impact on your forearm.
They share similar visual concepts of demonstrating strength and a solid foundation. However, 'authority' specifically uses the initialized 'A' handshape moving down the arm, whereas 'power' often uses 'C' handshapes moving over the muscles or fists to show physical strength.
