"how" American Sign Language (ASL) - Lifeprint

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How: Version 1: Form curved handshapes on both hands, palms down and/or slightly back. Place your hands together with the knuckles touching. (Looks kind of like McDonalds' Golden Arches.) Roll the hands forward until the "arches" are upside down--ending with your hands palm-up in "cupping" handshapes. When asking how something was done or how something happened you should furrow your eyebrows. (The question "How are you?" when used as a greeting is an exception to the rule and uses raised eyebrows.") HOW (version)

HOW: As in: "How did you do that?" or "How did that happen?" [Use furrowed eyebrows.]

Note: For the sign "how," some people just roll one hand forward. HOW (version)

And you might see a double one-handed roll

Sandy: How do you sign, "Hello, how are you?"

Dr. Bill: You wave hello, (using the standard gesture), then you sign "HOW YOU?" The sign HOW uses two modified "c" hands (thumbs alongside) touches them at the knuckles and rolls them forward till the palms are up. To sign "YOU," just point at the other person.

Sandy: It's a little awkward at first, isn't it?

Dr. Bill: At first yes, practice makes it easier :) Sample Phrase: "How are you?" [Raise your eyebrows a bit or at least use a friendly expression.] Note: The phrase "How are you?" when used as a greeting is an exception to the normal lowering of the eyebrows for "Wh-type" questions (like WHO, WHAT, WHEN, HOW-MANY). Note: If you are visiting a sick friend and you seriously want to know "how" he or she is doing then it is appropriate to use lowered / furrowed eyebrows to ask "How are you?" -- since you are seeking an extended answer that goes beyond "yes," "no," or "fine." So remember: "How are you?" (eyebrows up) equals a friendly greeting. "How are you?" (eyebrows down) equals a serious inquiry.

Note: Many English phrases include the word "how" but these phrases might not be signed using the "HOW" sign. Instead you should use signs that convey the specific meaning you are trying to express. For example the question "How much?" The sign for "how much" doesn't use the sign "HOW." It is a different sign altogether. "HOW-MUCH" uses a wh-question expression (furrow your eyebrows). It generally means "how much" as in "How much does that cost?" HOW-MUCH (cost)