American Sign Language: "how-many"
The sign "how many" is a "wh-q" sign. That means since it is a question that starts with the letters "wh" you should furrow your eyebrows a bit.
HOW-MANY:
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Animation of "HOW MANY" (.wmv file)
Notes:
The sign HOW-MANY is not the same as the sign for "many."
When signing MANY you start with the hands higher and a bit closer to my body. Then you move them outward an inch or two (instead of upward) while changing into the loose "five" handshapes. Don't use the furrowed eyebrows for "many" (unless you want to emphasize that there were very many of something) instead just use a slight nod of the head.
Compare: "MANY."
Notes:
Where this sign is taught:
Taught in Lesson 02.Reviewed in lessons: 06, 07, 08, 09, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, 39, 40, 45
Practice sentences using this sign:
SISTER YOU how-MANY? (How-many sisters do you have?)BROTHER YOU HOW-MANY? (How many brothers do you have?)
CHILDREN, HOW-MANY YOU? (How many children do you have?)
UNCLE, YOU HOW-MANY? (How many uncles do you have?)
YOUR FATHER, HOW-MANY SONS? (How many sons does your father have?)
AUNT YOU, HOW-MANY? (How many aunts do you have?)
YOU LIVE HERE HOW-MANY YEAR? (How many years have you lived here?)
WATER YOU DRINK EVERYDAY, CUP HOW-MANY YOU? (How many cups of water do you drink daily?)
SHOES, YOU HAVE HOW-MANY? (How many pairs of shoes do you have?)
CAR HAVE? HOW-MANY DOORS? (Do you have a car?--if so--How many doors?)
... and 38 more practice sentences use this sign.