How to Sign "How Do You Feel"
To sign 'how do you feel', you will combine the signs for 'how' and 'feel' while using the correct facial expression. First, sign 'how' by holding your dominant hand in a '10' handshape (a fist with the thumb extended) in front of you, and twist your wrist so the thumb points forward. Then, sign 'feel' by opening your hand, bending your middle finger slightly inward, and brushing it upward against your chest. Because this is a 'wh-' question, remember to keep your eyebrows furrowed while signing.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'feel' uses the middle finger, which is frequently used in ASL for signs related to emotions and internal states. Brushing it upward over the chest visually represents feelings or sensations rising from within the body. The furrowed eyebrows are the universal ASL grammatical marker for 'wh-' questions.
Signing Tips
The key to asking 'how do you feel' in ASL is your facial expression. Since 'how' is a 'wh-' question, your eyebrows must be furrowed (pulled down and together). Without this non-manual marker, the question won't be grammatically complete. Additionally, ensure the upward brushing motion for 'feel' is smooth, using only the tip of the middle finger against your chest.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake is forgetting to furrow the eyebrows, which is essential for signaling a 'wh-' question in ASL. Beginners also sometimes use a flat hand for 'feel' instead of bending the middle finger inward, or they brush downward instead of upward on the chest.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "How Do You Feel" in a Sentence
1How do you feel today?
Sign 'TODAY', then 'HOW', and finally 'FEEL' with furrowed eyebrows to ask about someone's current well-being.
2How do you feel about the movie?
Sign 'MOVIE', then 'HOW FEEL' with furrowed eyebrows to ask for someone's opinion on what they watched.
3Are you sick? How do you feel?
Sign 'SICK YOU?' with raised eyebrows, then 'HOW FEEL' with furrowed eyebrows to check on their health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sign 'you' in this phrase?
In ASL, pronouns are often dropped if the context is clear. By looking directly at the person and directing the question to them, 'you' is implied. Signing just 'how feel' is perfectly natural and grammatically correct.
Why do I have to furrow my eyebrows?
Furrowed eyebrows are a non-manual marker used for all 'wh-' questions (who, what, where, when, why, how) in ASL. It signals to the other person that you are asking an open-ended question rather than a simple yes/no question.
Can I sign 'feel' with two hands?
While 'feel' is typically a one-handed sign, you might occasionally see it signed with two hands alternating upward for emphasis, such as when describing very strong emotions. However, for a simple 'how do you feel' question, one hand is standard.
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