To sign 'using' (or 'use'), start by making your non-dominant hand into a fist (an 'S' shape) with the palm facing down. Form your dominant hand into a 'U' shape (index and middle fingers extended and together). Place the base of your 'U' hand on the back of your non-dominant fist, and move it in a small circle, brushing against the back of the fist.
Sign 'I', then 'using' by brushing your 'U' hand in a circle on your non-dominant fist, followed by the sign for 'computer'.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'use', point to the person for 'your', and then sign 'pen', raising your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.
Point to the person for 'she', sign 'using', tap your chest for 'my', and then sign 'book' by opening your hands like a book.
Sign 'I', then 'using' by brushing your 'U' hand in a circle on your non-dominant fist, followed by the sign for 'computer'.
Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'use', point to the person for 'your', and then sign 'pen', raising your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.
Point to the person for 'she', sign 'using', tap your chest for 'my', and then sign 'book' by opening your hands like a book.
They use the exact same handshapes and location. However, to emphasize the ongoing action of 'using', you might make the circular motion slightly larger or repeat it more continuously to show that the action is currently happening.
This sign is an example of initialization in ASL. It borrows the first letter of the English word 'use' (the 'U' handshape) to help distinguish it from other signs that might have similar movements or locations.
Yes, the sign for 'use' is often used as the root for 'useful'. Depending on the context, you might emphasize the sign by making the movement slightly larger or firmer to convey that something is full of use.
