How to Sign "Obligation"
To sign "obligation," form both hands into flat, slightly curved shapes with your palms facing down. Bring both hands up to your dominant shoulder. Tap your fingertips firmly against your shoulder twice.
Examples Using "Obligation" in a Sentence
1
I have an obligation to help my family.
Sign "obligation" by tapping your shoulder, followed by the signs for "help" and "family" to show your duty and commitment to them.
2
It is your obligation to finish the work.
Point to the person you are talking to, then sign "obligation" to emphasize that the responsibility falls entirely on their shoulders.
3
She felt no obligation to attend the meeting.
Use a negative headshake while signing "obligation" to clearly show the absence of any duty or requirement to be there.
How to Sign "Obligation"
To sign "obligation," form both hands into flat, slightly curved shapes with your palms facing down. Bring both hands up to your dominant shoulder. Tap your fingertips firmly against your shoulder twice.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for "obligation" is highly iconic and visually represents the concept of carrying a heavy burden or weight on one's shoulders. Just as we use the English idiom "shouldering the responsibility" or "carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders," the physical act of placing both hands on the shoulder illustrates taking on a duty. This visual metaphor makes the sign very intuitive for beginners to remember, as the physical gesture perfectly matches the emotional feeling of having an obligation.
Signing Tips
When signing "obligation," remember that your body language and facial expressions play a huge role in ASL. Keep your facial expression serious to match the weight of the word. The firmness of the tap on your shoulder can also convey how heavy or important the obligation is. A light tap might mean a small everyday chore, while a firm, heavy press indicates a major, significant responsibility. Make sure your hands are relaxed but deliberate in their movement.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is tapping the center of the chest instead of the shoulder. The sign for "obligation" specifically rests on the shoulder, symbolizing a physical weight being carried there. Another mistake is spreading the hands across both shoulders; make sure both hands are placed together on your dominant shoulder. Finally, avoid using overly stiff fingers. A natural, slightly curved handshape looks much more fluent, comfortable, and accurate.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Obligation" in a Sentence
1I have an obligation to help my family.
Sign "obligation" by tapping your shoulder, followed by the signs for "help" and "family" to show your duty and commitment to them.
2It is your obligation to finish the work.
Point to the person you are talking to, then sign "obligation" to emphasize that the responsibility falls entirely on their shoulders.
3She felt no obligation to attend the meeting.
Use a negative headshake while signing "obligation" to clearly show the absence of any duty or requirement to be there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same sign as "responsibility"?
Yes, the sign for "obligation" is often the exact same sign used for "responsibility" or "burden." The context of your sentence and your mouth movements will help clarify which specific English concept you are conveying.
Do I tap my dominant or non-dominant shoulder?
You should tap your dominant shoulder. If you are right-handed, bring both hands to your right shoulder. If you are left-handed, tap your left shoulder.
How many times should I tap my shoulder?
Typically, you tap your shoulder twice to indicate the noun "obligation." A single, firm, and prolonged press can sometimes be used to emphasize a particularly heavy or singular burden.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!