How to Sign "Hi What Is Your Name"
To sign this phrase, start by waving your open dominant hand near your head to sign 'hi'. Next, push your flat dominant hand forward toward the person to sign 'your'. Then, form 'U' handshapes (index and middle fingers extended and together) with both hands, and tap the dominant fingers across the non-dominant fingers twice to sign 'name'. Finally, hold both hands out in front of you with palms facing up, moving them slightly side to side while furrowing your eyebrows to sign 'what'.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This introductory phrase combines several highly iconic and logical signs. The sign for 'hi' is a universally recognized wave of greeting. 'Your' uses a flat palm pushing toward the person, visually indicating possession directed at them. The sign for 'name' is thought to represent a signature or putting a name on a line. Finally, 'what' uses open, questioning hands combined with the natural human facial expression of inquiry, perfectly capturing the essence of asking for information.
Signing Tips
When asking a 'wh-' question in ASL, such as 'what', it is absolutely crucial to furrow your eyebrows. For this specific phrase, you should start with a friendly, welcoming facial expression while signing 'hi'. However, as you transition to the end of the sentence, make sure your eyebrows come down and together when you sign 'what'. This specific facial grammar is what actually turns your signs into a clear question for the person you are meeting.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is trying to sign the words in exact English word order, such as signing 'Hi, what your name'. In ASL, the correct structure places the question word at the end: 'Hi, your name what'. Another frequent error is forgetting to furrow the eyebrows during the 'what' sign. Without the furrowed eyebrows, the phrase lacks the necessary grammatical marker, making it look more like a statement than a genuine question.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Hi What Is Your Name" in a Sentence
1Hi, what is your name? I'm Sarah.
Use this complete phrase when introducing yourself to a new classmate or colleague. Make sure to sign the sequence smoothly and remember to furrow your eyebrows at the very end to clearly indicate that you are asking them a question.
2Hi, what is your name? Welcome to the event.
This phrase is absolutely perfect for greeting someone at the door. Sign the sequence clearly, maintain good eye contact, and keep your body language open and welcoming as you ask for their name.
3Hi, what is your name? It is so nice to meet you.
Start your interaction with this friendly greeting. Ensure your facial expressions match the welcoming tone during the first half of the phrase before transitioning into the questioning facial expression at the end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the sign for 'what' come at the end of the sentence?
In American Sign Language, it is standard grammatical structure to place 'wh-' question words—like who, what, where, when, and why—at the very end of the sentence. This placement, combined with furrowed eyebrows, clearly signals to the other person that a question is being asked.
Do I have to sign 'your' or can I just point at the person?
Pointing with your index finger translates to 'you', while using a flat palm translates to 'your'. While people will likely understand you if you just point, using the flat palm for 'your' is the grammatically correct way to ask for 'your name' in ASL.
How do I answer this question when someone asks me?
You can answer by simply pointing to yourself to mean 'I' or 'my', signing 'name', and then fingerspelling your name. You do not need to sign the English word 'is', because ASL does not use 'to be' verbs in this context.
Related ASL Signs
