Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Request"

To sign 'request', start with both hands open in front of you, palms facing each other and angled slightly upward. Bring your hands together so your palms touch and your fingers point up. As your hands meet, pull them slightly inward toward your chest in a smooth motion.

Examples Using "Request" in a Sentence

1

I have a request.

To sign this, point to yourself for 'I', sign 'HAVE', and then use the sign for 'REQUEST' by bringing your palms together and pulling them toward your chest. Keep your expression neutral but polite to match the tone of making a formal inquiry.

2

Did you request a meeting?

Point to the person for 'YOU', sign 'REQUEST', and then sign 'MEETING'. Because this is a yes/no question, remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly while signing to indicate that you are waiting for a response.

3

Please submit your request.

Start by signing 'PLEASE' (rubbing a flat hand in a circle over your chest), then sign 'REQUEST' with a clear, deliberate motion. This combination emphasizes the polite and formal nature of the sentence, making it perfect for professional or official settings.

How to Sign "Request"
To sign 'request', start with both hands open in front of you, palms facing each other and angled slightly upward. Bring your hands together so your palms touch and your fingers point up. As your hands meet, pull them slightly inward toward your chest in a smooth motion.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'request' is highly iconic, meaning it visually represents the concept it conveys. The action of bringing both hands together and drawing them inward symbolizes gathering an appeal, petition, or inquiry and bringing it toward yourself. It mimics the physical gesture of holding a plea or formally asking for something. This visual logic helps learners remember the sign, as it physically embodies the act of drawing a formal question or favor into your own space.
Signing Tips
When learning the sign for 'request', focus on making the movement smooth and deliberate. Start with your hands comfortably spaced apart, and as you bring them together, ensure your fingers remain straight and aligned. The pulling motion toward your chest is key, as it indicates that you are drawing the request or petition toward yourself. Keep your facial expressions polite and match the context of your sentence, as ASL relies heavily on facial grammar to convey tone.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake beginners make is clapping their hands together too forcefully or repeating the motion too many times. The sign for 'request' should be a single, smooth motion where the hands meet and pull inward. If you repeat the motion multiple times or hold your hands too close to your chest from the start, it can easily be mistaken for the sign for 'pray'. Focus on a single, clear movement to ensure your meaning is understood.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Request" in a Sentence
1

I have a request.

To sign this, point to yourself for 'I', sign 'HAVE', and then use the sign for 'REQUEST' by bringing your palms together and pulling them toward your chest. Keep your expression neutral but polite to match the tone of making a formal inquiry.

2

Did you request a meeting?

Point to the person for 'YOU', sign 'REQUEST', and then sign 'MEETING'. Because this is a yes/no question, remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly while signing to indicate that you are waiting for a response.

3

Please submit your request.

Start by signing 'PLEASE' (rubbing a flat hand in a circle over your chest), then sign 'REQUEST' with a clear, deliberate motion. This combination emphasizes the polite and formal nature of the sentence, making it perfect for professional or official settings.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'request' the same as 'ask'?

They are similar in meaning, but 'ask' is often signed with a single index finger moving toward the person being asked while curling into an 'X' shape. 'Request' uses both hands, pulls inward, and generally feels a bit more formal or official than a simple 'ask'.

Does this sign look like 'pray'?

Yes, it is very similar to 'pray'. However, 'pray' is typically held closer to the body from the beginning and often has a slight, repeated downward or circular motion. 'Request' is usually a single, deliberate movement starting further out and pulling inward.

Can I use this sign for ordering food at a restaurant?

While you could be understood, it's more natural to use the sign for 'ORDER' or simply 'WANT' when talking about food at a restaurant. 'Request' is much better suited for formal inquiries, asking for favors, or submitting official petitions.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!