How to Sign "Reason"
Form an 'R' handshape with your dominant hand by crossing your index and middle fingers. Place it near your temple or the side of your forehead. Move your hand in small, continuous circular motions.
Examples Using "Reason" in a Sentence
1
What is the reason?
Sign 'REASON' followed by 'WHAT'. Remember to furrow your eyebrows at the end to indicate you are asking a 'wh-' question.
2
I have a good reason.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'HAVE', then 'GOOD', and finish with the circular motion of 'REASON' at your temple.
3
She is a very reasonable person.
You can use this same sign to mean 'reasonable'. Sign 'SHE', 'PERSON', 'VERY', and then 'REASON' to convey her logical nature.
How to Sign "Reason"
Form an 'R' handshape with your dominant hand by crossing your index and middle fingers. Place it near your temple or the side of your forehead. Move your hand in small, continuous circular motions.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is an initialized sign, meaning it uses the first letter of the English word ('R' for reason). It is placed near the forehead, which is the location in ASL associated with cognitive processes, logic, and thought.
Signing Tips
Keep the circular motion small and contained near the side of your head. Ensure your 'R' handshape is clear, with the index and middle fingers tightly crossed, so it isn't confused with other signs.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is making the circles too large or moving the hand too far away from the head. Another frequent error is using a simple index finger instead of the 'R' handshape, which changes the meaning to 'think' or 'wonder'.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Reason" in a Sentence
1What is the reason?
Sign 'REASON' followed by 'WHAT'. Remember to furrow your eyebrows at the end to indicate you are asking a 'wh-' question.
2I have a good reason.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'HAVE', then 'GOOD', and finish with the circular motion of 'REASON' at your temple.
3She is a very reasonable person.
You can use this same sign to mean 'reasonable'. Sign 'SHE', 'PERSON', 'VERY', and then 'REASON' to convey her logical nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'reason' the same as 'realize'?
No. While both are initialized signs placed near the forehead, 'realize' typically uses an 'R' handshape that moves straight outward from the forehead, whereas 'reason' uses a continuous circular motion near the temple.
Can I use this sign to mean 'logic'?
Yes! Depending on the context of your sentence, this sign is frequently used to mean 'reason', 'reasonable', 'rationale', or 'logic'.
Does it matter which direction the circle goes?
Generally, the circle moves forward, down, back, and up in a small loop. However, as long as it is a small, clear circular motion near the temple with the 'R' handshape, it will be easily understood by fluent signers.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!