To sign 'engaged', start with your non-dominant hand flat in front of you, palm facing down. Form your dominant hand into an 'E' shape. Move your dominant hand in a small circle just above your non-dominant hand, then bring it down to rest on the ring finger of your non-dominant hand.
Sign 'we', 'recently', and then 'engaged'. Be sure to use an excited facial expression to convey the happy news.
Point to the couple, sign 'engaged', and raise your eyebrows while leaning forward slightly to indicate a yes/no question.
Sign 'my', 'sister', and then 'engaged'. Keep your facial expression neutral or happy depending on the context of the conversation.
Sign 'we', 'recently', and then 'engaged'. Be sure to use an excited facial expression to convey the happy news.
Point to the couple, sign 'engaged', and raise your eyebrows while leaning forward slightly to indicate a yes/no question.
Sign 'my', 'sister', and then 'engaged'. Keep your facial expression neutral or happy depending on the context of the conversation.
No, this specific sign is used exclusively for romantic engagement, meaning two people are planning to get married. If you want to say you are 'engaged' in an activity, focused on a task, or simply 'busy', you would use the standard ASL sign for 'busy' instead.
The 'E' handshape is an initialization, meaning it uses the first letter of the English word 'engaged'. This helps distinguish it from other signs or gestures related to rings or jewelry. Initialized signs are common in ASL to specify a particular English translation for a broader concept.
You should always use your dominant hand for the moving part of the sign (the 'E' shape) and your non-dominant hand as the stationary base. If you are left-handed, your left hand will form the 'E' and land on your right ring finger. Consistency with your dominant hand is key.
