Start with your dominant hand in a flat shape, fingers together, resting near your forehead with the palm facing inward. In one smooth motion, bring your hand outward and twist your wrist so your palm faces forward and away from you. This is the same sign used for "don't know."
Sign 'PROBLEM', 'CAUSE', and then 'UNKNOWN' at the end of the sentence to emphasize the missing information.
Sign 'PHONE', 'CALL', and then 'UNKNOWN' while looking slightly confused to match the context of an unidentified caller.
Sign 'SHE', 'WHERE', and then 'UNKNOWN' with a slight head shake to convey that you do not know where she is.
Sign 'PROBLEM', 'CAUSE', and then 'UNKNOWN' at the end of the sentence to emphasize the missing information.
Sign 'PHONE', 'CALL', and then 'UNKNOWN' while looking slightly confused to match the context of an unidentified caller.
Sign 'SHE', 'WHERE', and then 'UNKNOWN' with a slight head shake to convey that you do not know where she is.
Yes! In ASL, the concept of something being 'unknown' and the phrase 'I don't know' use the exact same sign. The context of your sentence will make it clear which English translation applies.
While the formal sign starts by touching the forehead, in casual conversation, many fluent signers simply start the hand near the head or even lower in the signing space. As a beginner, it's best to start near the forehead for clarity.
A slight head shake or a slightly furrowed brow works perfectly. Since 'unknown' implies missing information, your face should naturally reflect that slight confusion or lack of knowledge.
