Expressing the word "what" is a fundamental component of communication in any language, but in the visual-manual modality of sign language, it involves more than just a hand movement. While many beginners focus solely on the hands, the concept of "what" encompasses handshape, orientation, location, movement, and critical facial expressions. Because sign languages are not universal, the way to sign "what" varies significantly depending on whether you are using American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL), or another regional system.

The Anatomy of the "What" Sign in American Sign Language (ASL)

In American Sign Language, the sign for "what" is highly recognizable and utilizes a naturalistic movement. To perform this sign correctly, start with both hands in front of the body. The handshape involves keeping the palms open and relaxed, with fingers slightly spread. The palms should be facing upward, as if you are holding two invisible platters.

The movement consists of moving both hands back and forth horizontally in a slight, rhythmic shaking motion. This movement is typically small and repeated two or three times. The location remains in the neutral signing space directly in front of the chest. It is essential to keep the elbows relaxed and tucked relatively close to the sides to maintain a natural flow.

Beyond the hands, the non-manual markers are what define this as a question. In ASL, when asking a "WH-question" (who, what, where, when, why), the eyebrows must be furrowed or lowered. This facial grammatical marker signals to the receiver that a question is being asked and that a specific piece of information is required in response. Without the furrowed brows, the hand movement might be misinterpreted or seen as incomplete.

Regional Variations: How "What" Changes Globally

Sign languages are independent natural languages with their own distinct lexicons. Consequently, the sign for "what" in the United Kingdom or Australia bears little resemblance to the ASL version.

British Sign Language (BSL) and Auslan

British Sign Language and Australian Sign Language (Auslan) often share a similar sign for "what." Unlike the two-handed ASL version, the BSL sign traditionally involves the index finger of the dominant hand. The signer extends their index finger and draws it across the palm of the non-dominant hand, which is held flat and facing upward. In some modern variations or informal settings, a simple side-to-side wiggle of the index finger in the air is also used to represent the same concept.

French Sign Language (LSF)

French Sign Language, which historically influenced ASL, utilizes a different approach. The sign for "what" in LSF may involve a specific flicking motion or a variation of the handshape near the chin or chest, reflecting the unique phonetic evolution of that language. Understanding these differences is crucial for anyone engaging with the global Deaf community, as it highlights that there is no single "universal" sign language.

The Grammar of Questions: Where to Place "What"

One of the most common mistakes for new learners is following the word order of spoken English. In English, we typically start a sentence with the word "what" (e.g., "What is your name?"). In ASL, the syntax often shifts the question word to the end of the sentence to provide context before the specific query.

For example, instead of signing "What your name?" a more natural ASL structure would be "YOUR NAME WHAT?" By placing the "what" at the end, the signer establishes the topic (your name) first, then applies the interrogative focus. During the final sign—the "what"—the furrowed brows are held, and the signer may slightly lean forward to indicate they are waiting for an answer. This structure is more efficient in a visual medium, as it allows the observer to understand the subject matter before being asked to provide information.

Variations of "What" for Different Contexts

The sign for "what" can change based on the intended meaning or the emotional weight of the conversation.

  • The Clarification "What": If you did not hear or understand someone, a shortened, more rapid version of the ASL "what" is often used. This is equivalent to saying "Huh?" or "What did you say?" The movement is sharper, and the facial expression might show more intense confusion.
  • The Rhetorical "What": When "what" is used rhetorically, the facial grammar changes. Instead of furrowed brows, the eyebrows may be raised if the signer is not actually seeking an answer but rather using the word as a transition or to emphasize a point.
  • Compound Concepts: Certain phrases that use "what" in English have their own unique signs in ASL. For instance, "What's up?" is a distinct sign involving the middle fingers touching the chest and flicking upward and outward. Similarly, "What happened?" involves a specific flip of the hands from palms-up to palms-down.

The Role of Non-Manual Markers (NMMs) in Interrogatives

In sign language linguistics, non-manual markers refer to any communicative signal that does not involve the hands. For the sign "what," the NMMs are arguably more important than the hand movement itself. Research into sign perception shows that native signers often look at the face and eyes of the person signing, rather than focusing exclusively on the hands.

When asking "what," the following NMMs are standard for WH-questions:

  1. Furrowed Brows: The most critical marker for information-seeking questions.
  2. Head Tilt: A slight forward or side tilt of the head often accompanies the question.
  3. Eye Gaze: Maintaining direct eye contact with the person being questioned is vital for social and grammatical clarity.

If a signer performs the hand movement for "what" while raising their eyebrows (instead of furrowing them), they may be accidentally asking a "Yes/No" question. For example, raising the eyebrows while signing "WHAT" could be interpreted as "Is that what you mean?" or "Did you say 'what'?" This subtle shift in facial muscle tension completely changes the meaning of the sign.

Historical Evolution of Sign Systems

The way we sign "what" today is the result of centuries of linguistic evolution. Early records of sign language, such as those from the 17th century in Spain or the 18th century in France, show that signs for interrogatives were often derived from natural gestures used in hearing communities. Over time, these gestures became "lexicalized," meaning they followed stricter grammatical rules and became distinct from simple pantomime.

In the United States, the development of ASL at the American School for the Deaf in the early 19th century blended indigenous signs (Martha's Vineyard Sign Language) with French Sign Language. This fusion created the specific palm-shaking "what" we use today. The endurance of these signs, despite historical periods where sign language was suppressed in schools (such as after the Milan Congress of 1880), demonstrates the resilience of the language and its central role in Deaf culture.

Common Pitfalls for Beginners

When learning how to sign "what," beginners frequently encounter specific hurdles that can hinder their fluency:

  • Over-exaggeration: Moving the hands too far apart or shaking them too violently. The sign should be contained within the "signing box" (the area from the top of the head to the waist and just past the shoulders).
  • Static Expression: Keeping a "stone face" while signing. This makes the question feel robotic and can lead to misunderstandings.
  • English-based Signing: Trying to sign every single word in an English sentence like "What is the time?" In ASL, you would simply sign "TIME WHAT?" accompanied by the appropriate facial markers.
  • Dominance Confusion: While "what" is a two-handed sign in ASL, many other signs are one-handed. It is important to establish a "dominant" hand (usually the one you write with) and use it consistently. For the ASL "what," both hands perform the same action, so dominance is less of an issue, but the non-dominant hand should mirror the movement accurately.

Practical Exercises for Mastering the Sign

To become comfortable with signing "what," it is helpful to practice in front of a mirror. This allows you to verify that your eyebrows are correctly furrowed and that your hand orientation is truly palms-up.

  1. Isolate the Brows: Practice furrowing your brows without moving your hands. This builds the muscle memory required for the grammatical component of the question.
  2. Synchronize Movement: Combine the hand shake with the brow furrow. Aim for the peak of the brow furrow to happen exactly when the hands are moving.
  3. Sentence Drills: Practice the following basic structures:
    • "NAME WHAT?" (What is the name?)
    • "COLOR WHAT?" (What is the color?)
    • "FOR-FOR?" (A specific sign often used instead of 'what for' or 'why').

The Cultural Significance of Questioning

In Deaf culture, directness is often a valued trait. When asking "what," the eye contact and facial engagement signify interest and respect for the conversation partner. In some hearing cultures, a furrowed brow might be interpreted as anger or frustration, but in the context of sign language, it is a purely linguistic tool. Understanding this cultural nuance prevents learners from feeling intimidated by the intense facial expressions often required for clear communication.

Furthermore, the use of "what" often leads to "backchanneling" in sign language. When someone is explaining a complex topic, the listener might sign a small, quick "what" or "really?" to show they are following along or to ask for a quick clarification. This keeps the visual "loop" of the conversation active.

Conclusion: Beyond the Basics

Learning how to sign "what" is an entry point into a sophisticated linguistic world. It requires a shift from auditory thinking to spatial and visual thinking. By focusing on the five parameters of the sign—handshape, location, movement, orientation, and non-manual markers—learners can move beyond mere gestures and begin to communicate with the depth and nuance that sign language offers.

As sign languages continue to evolve, particularly with the influence of digital communication and video technology, the signs themselves may see slight variations in speed or style. However, the core grammatical requirement of the "WH-face" remains the bedrock of asking questions. Whether you are learning for personal interest, to connect with family, or for professional reasons, mastering this single word opens the door to meaningful dialogue within the vibrant and diverse signing community.