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he / she / it / me / you / we / them / that

In ASL you can refer to most things by simply pointing at them.

YOU:

This next version of YOU is actually a question. 
"Is it you?"
"Are you ... ?"
"Did you?"

Suppose you wanted to say, "Humph, it's you?  I wouldn't have thought that it would be you! I'm taken a little aback by that."
You can say all that with just one sign by using appropriate facial expressions:

See an animation for this sign:  "YOU" (surprised that it is you)

WE
(The ASL version uses an index finger.  If you see it done with a "W" it has been initialized and is not considered ASL.)



THEY (them)  Use a smooth sweeping movement.


There are also a number of ASL signs that use a "Y" hand.  I include them here because these signs function like pronouns do in English and they fit well with the other signs on this page. 


Here is a generic sign for THAT:
(Handshape of right hand is a "Y")

THAT-ONE (specifically)

THAT-ONE
version 2

THESE
In a message dated 11/27/2006 9:35:59 PM Pacific Standard Time, roypugh@___________.edu writes:
Dr. Vicars,

Hi, my brother and I have been learning a lot from your website. There
are many questions that we have but one that is pertinent. The sign for
"he" or "she" is simple; you just point to who you are talking about.
But what if you are talking about someone who isn't in the room?

Example: Someone has just left the room.
Me: Who was he?

In that sentence, how do I sign "he?"

And one more quick question. How do I show possession with pronouns such
as: yours, his, hers, mine, their's, etc?

I appreciate you taking the time to read this and your work on the website.

Sincerely,
Nathan Pugh
Nathan,
In your first example: (Someone has just left the room.)
Me: Who was he?
The concept of "he" would be signed by pointing toward the door through which "he" exited.
 
Your second question: How do I show possession with pronouns such as: yours, his, hers, mine, theirs, etc.?
Answer: You point your palm toward the referent.   For example:  "YOUR or YOURS" is indicated by pointing your palm at a person.  The sign looks similar to that of a police officer signing "stop" while directing traffic.
To sign HIS/HERS/ITS you would do the same sign except you would do it off to the side.
The sign THEIRS if referring to a specific group would be signed the same as HIS/HERS/ITS.
The sign THEIRS if referring to two or more separate individuals would use the same handshape and palm orientation but the movement would start slightly off to the side and then sweep further to the side. The "sweeping" movement would add plurality to the sign.

Have a nice day.
Cordially,
Dr. Vicars

 

Also see:  Indexing discussion page

American Sign Language University ™ ASL resources by Lifeprint.com © Dr. William Vicars
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