5 Surprising Secrets Behind The Sign For 'Please' In ASL And Global Sign Languages

Learning the sign for "please" in American Sign Language (ASL) is one of the first and most essential steps for any beginner, yet the true depth of this single sign is often misunderstood. While the ASL sign for "please" is a simple, circular motion on the chest, its actual use in the Deaf community is highly nuanced, often depending more on your facial expression and the context of the conversation than the hand sign itself. This article, updated for , delves into the latest understanding of this foundational sign, revealing its subtle differences from other signs and its surprising variations in other major sign languages like British Sign Language (BSL) and Japanese Sign Language (JSL).

The concept of politeness in a visual language like ASL goes far beyond a single "magic word." It is a sophisticated blend of handshape, movement, and critical Non-Manual Markers (NMM), which include facial expressions and body language. Mastering the sign for "please" is not just about making a request; it's about showing respect, sincerity, and cultural awareness within the Deaf community.

The Definitive Guide to Signing 'Please' in ASL (American Sign Language)

The ASL sign for "please" is a core vocabulary word, often taught in introductory courses and to parents learning Baby Sign Language. The mechanics are simple, but the cultural context is what truly matters.

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Step-by-Step ASL Sign Mechanics

To correctly execute the sign for "please" in American Sign Language, follow these steps:

• Handshape: Use your dominant hand in a flat handshape (similar to the "B" handshape), with your fingers extended and held together, and your thumb extended and sticking out.
• Placement: Place the palm side of your dominant hand flat against the center of your upper chest.
• Movement: Move your hand in a gentle, clockwise, circular motion on your chest, completing a few small circles.

This motion is a physical representation of an inward feeling of desire or request, making it one of the most expressive signs in the language.

The Critical Role of Non-Manual Markers (NMM)

In ASL, your face is as important as your hands. The sign for "please" is a prime example of this rule. The hand movement alone is insufficient to convey politeness or sincerity.

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• Facial Expression: When signing "please," your facial expression must match the intent. A sincere request should be accompanied by a warm, inviting, and slightly pleading look—perhaps a softening of the eyes or a slight furrow of the brow.
• Deaf Etiquette: In many situations, politeness in Deaf Culture is conveyed not by adding the sign "please," but by using appropriate NMMs, maintaining eye contact, and showing respect through body language. The sign itself can sometimes be omitted entirely if the request is clear and the NMMs are strong.

The Shocking Difference: 'Please' vs. 'Enjoy' and Other Confusing Signs

A common pitfall for ASL students is confusing the sign for "please" with other similar-looking signs. The slightest variation in handshape, movement, or location can entirely change the meaning of your communication. This is a crucial area for developing topical authority in sign language.

Please vs. Enjoy

The signs for PLEASE and ENJOY are often confused because they share a similar handshape (flat hand) and movement (circular motion).

• PLEASE: Uses only the dominant hand, placed on the chest.
• ENJOY: Typically uses both hands (or the dominant hand, depending on the region), with the dominant hand circling on the chest and the non-dominant hand often circling on the stomach or lower chest. The two-handed version is a clearer way to express the idea of pleasure or satisfaction.

The Contextual Sign: "Don't Mind?"

For a formal or very polite request, especially when asking someone to do something for you, the ASL sign for "please" may be replaced by a contextual sign that means "Don't mind?" or "Would you be willing to?" This highlights a key difference between English and ASL syntax: ASL prioritizes clarity and context over direct word-for-word translation, often making the English word "please" redundant.

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Global Variations: How 'Please' Changes Across the World

American Sign Language (ASL) is not universal; it is a unique language with its own grammar, vocabulary, and history, distinct from other sign languages around the globe. The sign for "please" offers a fascinating look into these differences.

British Sign Language (BSL)

The difference between ASL and British Sign Language (BSL) is one of the most surprising facts for new learners. ASL and BSL are mutually unintelligible, and their signs for common words are often completely different.

• The Sign Swap: The sign for "please" in BSL is the same as the sign for "thank you."
• BSL Mechanics: In BSL, the sign is made by starting with the dominant flat hand at the chin and moving it straight down and away from the body. This single sign covers both the polite request (PLEASE) and the expression of gratitude (THANK YOU).

Japanese Sign Language (JSL)

Japanese Sign Language (JSL), or Nihon Shuwa, has a sign for "please" (often corresponding to the Japanese word onegaishimasu) that reflects Japanese cultural norms of respect and bowing.

• JSL Mechanics: The sign involves placing both hands together at the chest, similar to a prayer or a formal greeting, and often incorporating a slight bow of the head or torso. This visual combination embodies the respectful and humble nature of a polite request in Japanese culture.

French Sign Language (LSF)

ASL actually traces its roots back to French Sign Language (LSF), as the American School for the Deaf (ASD) was founded with the help of a French educator. Despite this shared history, the two languages have diverged significantly over time. The LSF sign for s'il vous plaît ("please") is a distinct movement, showcasing the independent evolution of the two languages from their common 19th-century origin.

Entities for Topical Authority

To fully grasp the sign for "please," one must understand the key concepts and entities that govern its use:

• American Sign Language (ASL): The primary sign language of the United States and Canada.
• British Sign Language (BSL): The sign language used in the United Kingdom.
• Japanese Sign Language (JSL): The sign language used in Japan.
• French Sign Language (LSF): The language that heavily influenced ASL's origins.
• Non-Manual Markers (NMM): The facial expressions and body movements crucial for grammatical and emotional meaning in ASL.
• Deaf Culture: The set of social beliefs, behaviors, art, literary traditions, and values shared by Deaf people.
• Deaf Etiquette: The rules of conduct and manners specific to communication within the Deaf community.
• ASL for Beginners: The instructional field focused on teaching foundational signs.
• Baby Sign Language: The practice of teaching signs to hearing babies before they can speak.
• Flat Handshape (B Handshape): The specific hand configuration used for the sign.
• Dominant Hand: The hand used to perform the movement (typically the right hand for right-handers).
• Circular Motion: The specific movement parameter for the ASL sign for "please."
• Contextual Signs: Signs whose meaning or necessity depends entirely on the surrounding conversation.
• THANK YOU: A related sign often confused with "please" globally.
• YOU'RE WELCOME: Another "magic word" in the ASL vocabulary.
• Emily Post: The authority on etiquette, who has recognized and documented ASL "magic words."
• American School for the Deaf (ASD): The historical institution where ASL was formalized.

Ultimately, the sign for "please" is a powerful reminder that sign languages are not merely manual codes for spoken words but are rich, independent, and culturally-embedded linguistic systems. To truly sign "please," you must not just move your hand, but you must also show it in your face.