To sign 'otherwise,' form your dominant hand into an 'A' handshape with your thumb pointing up. Start with your hand resting in front of your body, palm facing down or toward your non-dominant side. Then, flip your hand over in a small, quick outward arc so your palm faces up or toward your dominant side. The movement should come entirely from your wrist.
Sign 'leave now,' then use the sign for 'otherwise' to introduce the consequence, finishing with the sign for 'late.' The flip of your wrist perfectly bridges the two ideas.
Sign 'tired,' pause slightly, sign 'otherwise,' and then sign 'feel fine.' This shows that apart from the first condition, the alternative condition holds true.
In this context, 'otherwise' functions similarly to 'other.' Sign 'you have,' then 'otherwise,' followed by 'good ideas' while using an inquisitive facial expression.
Sign 'leave now,' then use the sign for 'otherwise' to introduce the consequence, finishing with the sign for 'late.' The flip of your wrist perfectly bridges the two ideas.
Sign 'tired,' pause slightly, sign 'otherwise,' and then sign 'feel fine.' This shows that apart from the first condition, the alternative condition holds true.
In this context, 'otherwise' functions similarly to 'other.' Sign 'you have,' then 'otherwise,' followed by 'good ideas' while using an inquisitive facial expression.
Yes! In ASL, the concepts of 'other,' 'else,' and 'otherwise' are typically signed using the exact same handshape and flipping motion. The specific meaning is naturally understood from the context of the sentence you are signing.
You should always use your dominant hand to perform this sign. If you are right-handed, your right hand will flip outward to the right. If you are left-handed, your left hand will flip outward to the left.
The motion should be relatively small, contained, and relaxed. It is a quick, casual flip of the wrist. Avoid making large, sweeping movements with your arm, as this can look unnatural in conversational ASL.
