To sign "can I," start with the sign for "can" by forming both hands into 'S' shapes (fists) with your palms facing down, and move them downward firmly in front of you. Then, sign "I" by pointing your dominant index finger directly at the center of your chest. Remember to raise your eyebrows while signing this phrase, as it is a yes/no question.
Sign "CAN I" with raised eyebrows, then sign "HELP" moving toward the person you are addressing. Keep your eyebrows raised the entire time to show it's a question.
Sign "CAN I" followed by "GO" and "BATHROOM." Your facial expression should remain inquisitive with raised eyebrows and a slight head tilt throughout the question.
Sign "CAN I" followed by "HAVE" and "APPLE." Make sure the downward motion of "CAN" is clear and firm before pointing to yourself for "I."
Sign "CAN I" with raised eyebrows, then sign "HELP" moving toward the person you are addressing. Keep your eyebrows raised the entire time to show it's a question.
Sign "CAN I" followed by "GO" and "BATHROOM." Your facial expression should remain inquisitive with raised eyebrows and a slight head tilt throughout the question.
Sign "CAN I" followed by "HAVE" and "APPLE." Make sure the downward motion of "CAN" is clear and firm before pointing to yourself for "I."
Both are acceptable! ASL has flexible word order for this type of question. You can sign "CAN I" or "I CAN," as long as your eyebrows are raised to indicate that you are asking a yes/no question.
In ASL, raised eyebrows are the grammatical marker for yes/no questions. Because "Can I?" requires a yes or no answer, raising your eyebrows turns the statement of ability into a question asking for permission.
You should use your dominant hand to point to yourself for "I." If you are right-handed, use your right index finger; if you are left-handed, use your left. The "CAN" portion uses both hands equally.
