MECHANIC: The
American Sign Language (ASL) sign for "mechanic"
The "WRENCH"-based concepts of MECHANIC
and/or PLUMBER are what could be considered "context-sensitive." If you
combine the sign for "WRENCH" with [enough context] you end up meaning
either "mechanic" or "plumber" -- even without adding the "person"
ending.
Mechanic / plumber -- can signed either with our without the PERSON suffix. It depends on the amount of context in which you do the sign WRENCH.
The "low-context" version of MECHANIC / PLUMBER adds the PERSON suffix. If it is not clear that you are discussing a person (and not a wrench) then you can (and generally should) add the PERSON sign to the sign "wrench."
The "high-context" version can (and often does) drop the person ending because the meaning can be clear from the rest of your sentence. If it is obvious you need a mechanic and/or a plumber (and not a just a "wrench") then you can just sign WRENCH and don't need to add the person sign.
MECHANIC or PLUMBER:
This sign can also mean "plumber" if you are talking about water and
pipes.
WRENCH
Sample sentence: My father is a mechanic, he knows how to fix an engine.
Notes:
See: WRENCH
*
Want to help support ASL University? It's easy:
DONATE (Thanks!)
* Another way to help is to buy something from Dr. Bill's "Bookstore."
* Want even more ASL resources? Visit the "ASL Training Center!" (Subscription
Extension of ASLU)
* Also check out Dr. Bill's channel:
www.youtube.com/billvicars
You can learn American Sign Language (ASL) online at American Sign Language University ™
ASL resources by Lifeprint.com © Dr. William Vicars