The sign for "homework" is a compound of the signs for "home" and "work". Start by forming a flat "O" handshape with your dominant hand. Touch your cheek near your mouth, then move it up to touch near your ear. Immediately after, form "S" handshapes (fists) with both hands, palms facing down. Tap the wrist of your dominant hand against the back of your non-dominant hand's wrist twice.
Sign 'I', 'HAVE', 'A-LOT', and then the compound sign for 'HOMEWORK'. Finish with 'TONIGHT', ensuring the transition from 'home' to 'work' is smooth.
Point to the person for 'YOU', sign 'FINISH', and then 'HOMEWORK'. Remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly, as this is a yes/no question.
Sign 'MY', 'MATH', 'HOMEWORK', and 'HARD'. Emphasize the sign for 'hard' with a strained facial expression to show that the assignment is difficult.
Sign 'I', 'HAVE', 'A-LOT', and then the compound sign for 'HOMEWORK'. Finish with 'TONIGHT', ensuring the transition from 'home' to 'work' is smooth.
Point to the person for 'YOU', sign 'FINISH', and then 'HOMEWORK'. Remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly, as this is a yes/no question.
Sign 'MY', 'MATH', 'HOMEWORK', and 'HARD'. Emphasize the sign for 'hard' with a strained facial expression to show that the assignment is difficult.
Yes, the standard ASL sign for 'homework' is a compound of 'home' and 'work'. While you might occasionally see students fingerspell 'H-W' in very casual, fast-paced school settings, the compound sign is the most universally understood and correct form.
Yes, tapping twice is important. In ASL, nouns are typically signed with a double movement, while verbs use a single, often larger movement. Tapping twice clearly indicates the noun 'work' (as in the assignment) rather than the verb 'working'.
Absolutely! If you are left-handed, you should use your left hand to sign 'home' on your left cheek, and then use your left wrist to tap the back of your right wrist for 'work'. Always stick to your natural dominant hand.
