Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Do You Sign"

To ask 'do you sign?', form both hands into '1' handshapes with your index fingers extended. Hold them in front of your chest and move them in alternating backward circles, like pedaling a bicycle backwards. Crucially, because this is a yes/no question, you must raise your eyebrows and lean slightly forward while making the sign.

Examples Using "Do You Sign" in a Sentence

1

Excuse me, do you sign?

This is the perfect icebreaker when you meet someone who might know ASL. Simply make eye contact, raise your eyebrows, and use the sign for 'SIGN'.

2

I am learning ASL. Do you sign?

First, sign 'I LEARN A-S-L' with a neutral expression, then pause slightly, raise your eyebrows, and sign 'SIGN' to ask your question.

3

Do you sign at home?

Sign 'HOME' followed by 'SIGN', keeping your eyebrows raised throughout the phrase to indicate that you are asking a yes/no question about their home life.

How to Sign "Do You Sign"
To ask 'do you sign?', form both hands into '1' handshapes with your index fingers extended. Hold them in front of your chest and move them in alternating backward circles, like pedaling a bicycle backwards. Crucially, because this is a yes/no question, you must raise your eyebrows and lean slightly forward while making the sign.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'sign' visually represents the act of communicating with your hands. The alternating, circular motion mimics the continuous flow of gestures and conversation exchanged between people.
Signing Tips
Facial expressions are the punctuation of ASL! The raised eyebrows are what actually turn the vocabulary word 'sign' into the question 'Do you sign?'. Make sure your alternating circles flow smoothly, moving toward your body at the top of the circle.
Common Mistakes
A very common beginner mistake is forgetting to raise the eyebrows. Without the raised eyebrows, you are simply stating the word 'sign' rather than asking a question. Another mistake is moving both hands in unison instead of alternating them.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Do You Sign" in a Sentence
1

Excuse me, do you sign?

This is the perfect icebreaker when you meet someone who might know ASL. Simply make eye contact, raise your eyebrows, and use the sign for 'SIGN'.

2

I am learning ASL. Do you sign?

First, sign 'I LEARN A-S-L' with a neutral expression, then pause slightly, raise your eyebrows, and sign 'SIGN' to ask your question.

3

Do you sign at home?

Sign 'HOME' followed by 'SIGN', keeping your eyebrows raised throughout the phrase to indicate that you are asking a yes/no question about their home life.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sign the word 'YOU' first?

Not necessarily! In ASL, if you are looking directly at someone and asking them a question, the 'you' is already implied by your eye contact and body orientation. Just signing 'SIGN' with raised eyebrows is perfectly clear.

Why do I have to raise my eyebrows?

In American Sign Language, raised eyebrows act as the grammatical marker for yes/no questions. If you keep your face neutral, the person might think you are just making a statement or bringing up the topic of signing.

Does asking 'Do you sign?' mean the same thing as asking 'Are you Deaf?'

No, they are different questions. 'Do you sign?' simply asks if the person knows and uses sign language, which applies to hearing people, interpreters, and students as well. To ask if someone is Deaf, you would use the specific sign for 'DEAF'.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!