With either hand at a comfortable height between the shoulder and elbow, a fist with the index finger partially extended ("X" handshape) palm facing downward, move the hand down at the wrist. Shake the head up and down to indicate "should" or side to side to indicate "should not."
Sign "YOU", then use the "X" handshape moving down at the wrist while nodding your head slightly for "SHOULD", followed by the sign for "SLEEP".
Point to yourself for "I", sign "SHOULD" by moving the "X" handshape downward while shaking your head side to side to indicate the negative, then sign "EAT".
Sign "WE", then "SHOULD" with the downward wrist motion, and finally "DO-DO" while furrowing your eyebrows to show it is a "wh-" question.
Sign "YOU", then use the "X" handshape moving down at the wrist while nodding your head slightly for "SHOULD", followed by the sign for "SLEEP".
Point to yourself for "I", sign "SHOULD" by moving the "X" handshape downward while shaking your head side to side to indicate the negative, then sign "EAT".
Sign "WE", then "SHOULD" with the downward wrist motion, and finally "DO-DO" while furrowing your eyebrows to show it is a "wh-" question.
Yes, "should," "need," and "must" use the exact same "X" handshape and downward wrist motion. The difference often comes down to the intensity of the movement and your facial expressions. "Must" is usually a single, firm downward motion, while "should" might be slightly softer or repeated.
No, you do not need a separate sign for "not." In ASL, you can simply sign "should" while shaking your head side to side. This negative head movement automatically changes the meaning of the sign from "should" to "should not."
You should use your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, use your right hand to form the "X" handshape and make the downward wrist motion. Keep your non-dominant hand relaxed at your side.
