Learn how to sign what : A Beginner's Guide to American Sign Language

To sign \"what\" in American Sign Language (ASL), follow these steps:
1. Start with your hands at chest level, with your palms facing upward and fingers spread apart.
2. Bring your hands forward slightly, relaxing your fingers and curving them slightly.
3. While keeping your hands in this position, move them back and forth simultaneously, as if you are gently shaking them.
4. As you move your hands back and forth, maintain a relaxed facial expression to convey the meaning of \"what.\"
Remember to practice the handshape and movement to ensure clarity in your signing. Learning from a certified ASL instructor or using online resources that provide visual demonstrations can be helpful for mastering the proper technique.

To sign the word \"what\" in American Sign Language (ASL), follow these steps:
1. Start with both hands open and relaxed, with fingers spread apart and hands slightly curved.
2. Bring your hands up to the sides of your face, near your temples, with palms facing inward.
3. While keeping your hands in this position, move both hands forward and slightly downward in a fluid motion.
4. As you move your hands, slightly tilt your head forward and raise your eyebrows.
5. This gesture represents the sign for \"what\" in ASL.
Remember to practice the sign in front of a mirror or with someone who knows sign language to ensure proper handshape, movement, and facial expression.

The proper facial expression to use when signing the word \"what\" is to have a raised eyebrow and a questioning look on your face. This expression signifies curiosity or asking a question. Here are the steps to sign the word \"what\":
1. Start with your hands in a neutral position, relaxed at your sides.
2. Raise both of your eyebrows to indicate a questioning expression on your face.
3. Bring your hands up to about shoulder height, with your palms facing forward and fingers relaxed.
4. Curve your hands slightly, so they are not completely straight.
5. Spread your fingers apart, keeping them relaxed and slightly curved.
6. Move your hands in a back and forth motion simultaneously, while keeping your fingers spread apart.
7. Maintain the raised eyebrows and questioning expression on your face throughout the signing of the word \"what\".
Remember to practice the proper facial expression and hand movements to ensure clear communication when signing the word \"what\".

To sign \"what\" in sign language, you can follow these steps:
1. Position your hands: Start by extending both your hands in front of you, palms facing up, with fingers spread apart. Your hands should be slightly curved and relaxed.
2. Move your hands back and forth: While keeping your hands in the position mentioned above, move them back and forth simultaneously. This movement helps to convey the question \"what\" in sign language.
3. Facial expression: Along with the hand gesture, it\'s essential to use the appropriate facial expression to convey the meaning of the sign. A common facial expression for \"what\" is to raise your eyebrows slightly and have a questioning or curious look on your face.
Remember to practice the sign, paying attention to the handshape, movement, and facial expression. Additionally, keep in mind that sign language can vary slightly depending on the specific sign language being used, such as American Sign Language (ASL) or British Sign Language (BSL).

Yes, there are variations in signing \"what\" in different sign languages. Sign languages are not universal and differ from country to country. Each sign language has its own signs and gestures for words and concepts, including \"what.\"
For example, in American Sign Language (ASL), the sign for \"what\" is done by forming the letter \"Y\" with both hands. The hands are held in front of the chest with palms facing inwards and index fingers pointing upwards. The hands then move back and forth slightly.
In British Sign Language (BSL), the sign for \"what\" is done by holding one hand near the ear with the palm facing forward and all fingers extended. The hand then moves forward and slightly downward in a curved motion.
In Australian Sign Language (Auslan), the sign for \"what\" is done by forming an open handshape with the palm facing up and fingers slightly bent. The hand then moves forward and backward in a small arc.
These are just a few examples of how the sign for \"what\" can vary in different sign languages. Each sign language has its own grammar, vocabulary, and cultural influences, which lead to variations in signs for different concepts.

When signing the word \"what,\" it is important to avoid common mistakes to ensure accurate communication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when signing \"what\":
1. Incorrect handshape: The handshape for signing \"what\" consists of holding your relaxed \"5\" hands in front of you. Make sure your fingers are spread apart and your hands are slightly curved and relaxed. Avoid using a different handshape or not fully extending your fingers.
2. Lack of facial expression: Facial expressions play a crucial role in sign language and can change the meaning of a sign. When signing \"what,\" use the appropriate facial expression which involves raising your eyebrows and having a questioning or inquisitive look.
3. Improper movement: The movement for signing \"what\" involves moving both hands back and forth simultaneously. Ensure that your hands move in a smooth and fluid motion, not jerky or rigid. Avoid making irregular or unnecessary movements.
4. Forgetting non-manual markers: In sign language, non-manual markers such as facial expressions, head movements, and body posture are essential to convey meaning. When signing \"what,\" remember to use the appropriate non-manual markers to enhance your message and accurately communicate your intent.
5. Inconsistent signing speed: Maintaining a consistent signing speed is crucial for clarity in sign language. Avoid signing \"what\" too quickly or too slowly, as it can hinder understanding. Practice signing at a moderate and natural pace to ensure clear communication.
Remember, sign language is a visual language, so it is crucial to pay attention to details such as handshape, facial expression, movement, and non-manual markers. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can effectively sign the word \"what\" and enhance your overall sign language skills.

To improve the accuracy of signing \"what,\" here are some tips and techniques:
1. Handshape: Start by forming the handshape for the letter \"W.\" Hold both hands out in front of you with fingers spread apart and hands slightly curved and relaxed.
2. Facial expression: The facial expression is an important aspect of sign language. Use a questioning look and raise your eyebrows slightly to convey the meaning of \"what.\"
3. Movement: Move both hands back and forth simultaneously in front of your body. This movement helps to emphasize the question being asked.
4. Practice: Like any language skill, signing takes practice to improve accuracy. Practice signing \"what\" in front of a mirror to observe your handshape, facial expression, and movement. Try to make your signing clear and fluid.
5. Seek feedback: If possible, find a fluent sign language user or instructor who can provide constructive feedback on your signing. They can offer guidance on improving specific aspects of your signing technique.
6. Learn from native signers: Watching videos or attending sign language events where native signers are present can help you observe their signing style and incorporate their movements into your own.
Remember, practice and exposure are key to improving your signing accuracy. Be patient with yourself as you develop your skills, and don\'t hesitate to reach out for guidance and support along the way.

To practice and reinforce your knowledge of signing \"what,\" you can follow these steps:
1. Find a reliable source: Look for reputable sources such as online ASL dictionaries, tutorial videos, or sign language learning websites that provide accurate information about the sign for \"what.\" This will ensure you learn the correct form and expression.
2. Understand the handshape and movement: The sign for \"what\" typically involves making open hands with fingers spread apart and slightly curved. The hands are then moved back and forth simultaneously in front of your body.
3. Practice in front of a mirror: Stand in front of a mirror and observe your handshape and movement while signing \"what.\" Make sure your fingers are spread apart and your hands are relaxed. Practice the back and forth movement, making it smooth and fluid.
4. Repeat and reinforce: Practice signing \"what\" multiple times to reinforce your muscle memory. Repetition is key to mastering any sign language skill. Focus on maintaining accuracy in the handshape and movement as you repeat the sign.
5. Incorporate it in conversations: Once you feel confident with the sign, try using it in practical situations or conversations. This will help you become more comfortable and natural in expressing \"what\" using sign language.
6. Seek feedback: If possible, find a partner or an ASL instructor who can provide feedback on your signing. They can help correct any errors or provide suggestions for improvement.
7. Engage in online communities: Join online forums, sign language groups, or social media communities dedicated to sign language learning. This will allow you to connect with other learners and native signers, providing opportunities to practice and receive feedback.
Remember, a positive attitude and consistent practice are important for effectively learning and reinforcing your knowledge of signing \"what\" or any other sign in American Sign Language (ASL).

Yes, there are several online resources and tutorials available for learning how to sign \"what\". Here are a few options you can explore:
1. YouTube: YouTube has many videos that teach basic sign language vocabulary, including how to sign \"what\". You can search for videos specifically tailored to learning sign language or look for videos from certified sign language instructors. Make sure to choose videos that provide clear demonstrations and explanations.
2. Sign Language Websites: There are websites dedicated to teaching sign language, such as Start ASL and ASLPro. These websites offer lessons, tutorials, and interactive resources to help you learn different signs, including how to sign \"what\". They may provide step-by-step instructions, videos, and practice exercises to enhance your learning experience.
3. ASL Apps: There are several mobile applications available for learning American Sign Language (ASL). These apps usually offer tutorials, exercises, and interactive lessons that can help you learn and practice signing different words and phrases. Look for apps like ASL Coach or ASL Dictionary to learn how to sign \"what\" and other commonly used signs.
4. Online Sign Language Courses: Some online platforms and institutions offer comprehensive sign language courses that cover beginner to advanced levels. These courses provide structured lessons, assignments, quizzes, and sometimes even feedback from instructors, allowing you to learn sign language at your own pace. Websites like Udemy and Coursera offer a variety of sign language courses that cater to different learning needs.
Remember, while these online resources can be a valuable tool in learning sign language, it is always beneficial to practice with a fluent sign language user or take formal sign language classes for more in-depth learning and correct usage of signs.

Sure! Here\'s a step-by-step guide on how to accurately sign the word \"what\" in American Sign Language (ASL):
1. Begin by positioning your hands in front of you, with your palms facing upward and your fingers spread apart.
2. Curve your hands slightly, so that the fingers are relaxed and slightly curved.
3. With both hands in this position, gently shake or wiggle your hands back and forth simultaneously.
4. As you shake your hands, maintain a relaxed facial expression and raise your eyebrows slightly.
5. This shaking motion, along with the raised eyebrows, conveys the meaning of \"what\" in ASL.
6. Remember to keep your movements fluid and natural, without excessive force or rigidity.
Practice this sign repeatedly to build muscle memory and improve accuracy. It\'s also helpful to observe videos or work with a deaf or ASL instructor to receive feedback on your signing technique.
Keep in mind that signing is a visual language, so maintaining clear handshapes, movements, and facial expressions is crucial for effective communication.