To sign 'oldest,' you will combine the signs for 'old' and 'most.' Start by placing a 'C' handshape at your chin, then pull it downward while closing it into an 'S' handshape, as if stroking a long beard. Next, transition your hand into an 'A' handshape with the thumb pointing up, and move it straight upward to indicate the superlative '-est'.
To sign this, you would sign 'SHE MY FRIEND OLDEST.' Ensure the upward motion of 'oldest' is clear to emphasize she has been your friend the longest.
Sign 'THAT TREE PARK OLDEST.' The sign 'oldest' works perfectly here to describe the age of the tree compared to the others.
Sign 'OLDEST WHO?' with your eyebrows furrowed on 'WHO' to indicate a wh-question. The sign 'oldest' establishes the context before asking the question.
To sign this, you would sign 'SHE MY FRIEND OLDEST.' Ensure the upward motion of 'oldest' is clear to emphasize she has been your friend the longest.
Sign 'THAT TREE PARK OLDEST.' The sign 'oldest' works perfectly here to describe the age of the tree compared to the others.
Sign 'OLDEST WHO?' with your eyebrows furrowed on 'WHO' to indicate a wh-question. The sign 'oldest' establishes the context before asking the question.
Yes! You can use this exact same sign whether you are talking about your oldest sibling, the oldest house in your neighborhood, or the oldest book in a library.
While both start with the sign for 'old,' they end differently. 'Older' typically finishes with the hand moving upward and slightly forward (the '-er' suffix), whereas 'oldest' finishes with the 'A' handshape moving straight up to the highest point (the '-est' suffix).
No, in ASL, it is important to manually sign the superlative suffix. Mouthing 'oldest' while only signing 'old' is not grammatically correct ASL. You must include the upward movement with the 'A' handshape to convey the full meaning.
