How to Sign "Who"
To make the sign who, take your dominant hand in the L handshape. Place your thumb under your chin and pull down your index finger.
Examples Using "Who" in a Sentence
1
Who is that?
Point to the person or area you are asking about, then sign 'who' by anchoring your thumb under your chin and bending your index finger. Remember to furrow your eyebrows to show it is a question.
2
Who is your teacher?
Sign 'your', then 'teacher', and finish the sentence with 'who'. Keep your thumb firmly placed under your chin while pulling down your index finger, and make sure your eyebrows are furrowed at the end.
3
I don't know who.
Sign 'I', then 'don't know', followed by 'who'. Because this is a statement rather than a direct question, you do not need to furrow your eyebrows as intensely, but the handshape and movement remain exactly the same.
How to Sign "Who"
To make the sign who, take your dominant hand in the L handshape. Place your thumb under your chin and pull down your index finger.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The location of the sign 'who' near the mouth and chin is visually tied to spoken language, the lips, and communication. The bending of the index finger is historically thought to represent the movement of the lips when speaking or asking a question about someone. Your memory hint of 'pointing to somebody closeby' is a fantastic way to remember the active index finger, as we naturally use our index fingers to point out or identify people.
Signing Tips
To sign 'who' naturally, focus heavily on your facial expressions. In ASL, 'wh-' question words require you to furrow your eyebrows and tilt your head slightly forward. This is a crucial part of ASL grammar! When making the sign, ensure your thumb stays firmly anchored just under your chin. Only your index finger should move, bending down a couple of times. Keep your hand relaxed so the motion looks fluid rather than stiff.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is moving their entire hand or pulling their thumb away from their chin while signing. Remember, your thumb acts as a stationary anchor! Another frequent error is forgetting the facial expressions. If you sign 'who' with a blank face or raised eyebrows, it can confuse the person you are signing with. Always remember to furrow those eyebrows to clearly signal that you are asking a question.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Who" in a Sentence
1Who is that?
Point to the person or area you are asking about, then sign 'who' by anchoring your thumb under your chin and bending your index finger. Remember to furrow your eyebrows to show it is a question.
2Who is your teacher?
Sign 'your', then 'teacher', and finish the sentence with 'who'. Keep your thumb firmly placed under your chin while pulling down your index finger, and make sure your eyebrows are furrowed at the end.
3I don't know who.
Sign 'I', then 'don't know', followed by 'who'. Because this is a statement rather than a direct question, you do not need to furrow your eyebrows as intensely, but the handshape and movement remain exactly the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to move my eyebrows when signing 'who'?
Yes! 'Who' is a 'wh-' question word. In ASL grammar, you must furrow your eyebrows and tilt your head slightly forward to show that you are asking a question. Without this facial expression, the meaning can be lost.
How many times should I bend my index finger?
Typically, you should bend or pull down your index finger two or three times in a quick, fluid motion. Make sure your thumb stays resting under your chin the entire time.
Which hand should I use to sign 'who'?
You should always use your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, use your right hand to form the L-shape on your chin. If you are left-handed, use your left hand. Either way is perfectly correct!
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!