Note: The vast majority of the time this sign is done simply by raising your eyebrows.
DO-what:
There is a sign that means "What are you doing? What did I do? What do we
do?"
“What (are you/we) doing?” might be written as WHAT-DO? or DO-DO (heh)
Use "G"
hands , palms up, "G" hands change into into a "closed "G" handshapes.
Or you can use "D" hands. See: "WHAT-DO?"
(#DO) lexicalized for more information.
"Do what?"
Note: Don't use the
"WHAT-DO?" sign in
sentences like, "DO YOU WANT ICE-CREAM?"
Instead just raise
your eyebrows and tilt your head forward a bit while signing, "WANT ICE
CREAM?"
For more information on the "WHAT-DO" sign, see: "WHAT-DO"
(#DO) lexicalized
"DO" (action)
If you are describing a situation or telling a story in which you want to
indicate that general action was taking place, then here is a general
version of
"DO." General activity can be shown with this sign. The
sign sort of looks like you are kneading bread.
Here is a variation of the sign DO:
This variation uses a side to side motion.
Interestingly enough, I often see the sign "DID." This sign is obviously an
English intrusion, but the fact is that many ASL signers use this bit of
lexicalized fingerspelling from time to time. Notice how the pinkie comes up
but the index finger doesn't come down (for the letter "i"). I don't
recommend you use this in your ASL classes, but if you plan on hanging out
with any Deaf people, it is a nifty little sign of which to be aware.
Animation: "did"
Remember, in general,
you don’t sign “DO” in ASL.
Instead just raise your eyebrows to indicate you are asking a yes or no
question. Example: sign "YOU TEACH ASL?" while tilting your head a bit forward
and raising your eyebrows.
Also see: DON'T
