2024’s Guide: The 5 Critical Steps To Sign "How Are You?" Perfectly In ASL & BSL (Plus 15 Essential Responses)

Learning how to sign "How are you?" is arguably the most important first step in any language, and American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) are no exception. As of late 2024, the fundamental signs remain consistent, but a deeper understanding of the Non-Manual Markers (NMMs) and conversational etiquette is what truly separates a beginner from a respectful communicator within the Deaf Community. This guide provides the most current, detailed breakdown of this essential greeting, ensuring your first interaction is both clear and culturally appropriate.

The key to a perfect sign language greeting is not just the movement of your hands, but the expression on your face. In ASL, the phrase is often simplified to "HOW YOU?" due to the Grammatical Structure of the language, which prioritizes the core meaning, while BSL uses a distinct, single-movement sign. Mastering these nuances is crucial for developing a natural and flowing Conversational Flow.

ASL vs. BSL: Two Distinct Ways to Ask "How Are You?"

It is vital to understand that American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) are two entirely separate languages, not simply different dialects of the same one. Their signs for "How are you?" are completely different, reflecting their independent linguistic origins.

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1. How to Sign "How Are You?" in American Sign Language (ASL)

In ASL, the phrase is typically a Two-Part Sign that follows the structure: HOW YOU?

• The Sign for HOW: Start with both hands in a slightly curved handshape (a loose 'C' or '5' handshape) with your palms facing down or slightly inward, and your knuckles touching. Then, rotate your palms so they face up, moving your hands outwards slightly. This movement signifies the concept of "how" or "in what way."
• The Sign for YOU: Simply point your dominant index finger directly at the person you are addressing. This is the sign for the pronoun "you."
• The Non-Manual Marker (NMM): This is the most critical component. When asking a question in ASL, you must use a Questioning Expression—specifically, furrow your eyebrows and tilt your head slightly forward. This facial cue is part of the ASL Grammatical Structure and signals that the sentence is a question.

2. How to Sign "How Are You?" in British Sign Language (BSL)

The BSL sign is a single, fluid movement that is very different from the ASL version.

• The Sign: Start with the fingertips of your flat hands resting on your chest. Run your fingertips upwards on your chest, and then move your hands forwards and slightly upwards, finishing with your thumbs pointed up (a thumbs-up shape).
• The Non-Manual Marker (NMM): Similar to ASL, a curious or questioning facial expression is necessary to complete the sign and convey the interrogative nature of the phrase.

Beyond the Basics: Essential Variations and Conversational Etiquette

A natural conversation rarely relies on a single, formal phrase. To achieve true Topical Authority and fluency, you must incorporate common variations and understand the correct social context.

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Informal Variations (LSI Keywords)

Just as in English, there are casual ways to ask about someone's well-being. Using these variations is a great way to develop a natural Conversational Flow.

• "What's Up?" (WHAT'S-UP): This is a very common, informal greeting in the Deaf Community. To sign it, place both hands in a '5' handshape (open palm) with your middle fingers touching your chest. Then, move your hands upwards and outwards, ending with the hands in a slightly relaxed '5' or 'B' handshape. This is an excellent LSI keyword for casual conversation.
• "How's it Going?": Often, this is signed the same way as the formal "HOW YOU?" in ASL. Context and the accompanying Non-Manual Markers (the furrowed brows and head tilt) will clarify the intent.

The Importance of Non-Manual Markers (NMMs)

The hands are only one part of sign language. Non-Manual Markers (NMMs) are the facial expressions, body posture, and head movements that carry grammatical information, emotion, and emphasis. Ignoring NMMs is like speaking English in a monotone—you lose all meaning and tone.

For the question "How are you?":

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• Eyebrows: Must be furrowed (lowered/squinted) to indicate a WH-question ("How").
• Head: Tilt your head slightly forward.
• Eye Contact: Maintain direct eye contact to show engagement and respect.

3. Essential Sign Language Etiquette

When interacting with a Deaf person, proper Sign Language Etiquette is paramount:

• Keep it Going: Unlike the English "How are you?" which is often a rhetorical greeting, in ASL, the question is usually genuine. Be prepared to stop and engage in a short conversation.
• Hand-Dominance: The signs are performed using your dominant hand (the hand you write with). The non-dominant hand often acts as a base or remains passive.
• Clarity: Use clear, deliberate movements. Mumbling with your hands is as confusing as mumbling with your voice.

4. The 15 Most Common Responses to "How Are You?" (ASL)

Once you’ve asked the question, you need to understand the answer. These signs are essential for a complete and successful Conversational Flow and serve as excellent LSI entities for your vocabulary.

Here is a list of common responses to continue the dialogue:

5. The Final Step: The Reciprocal Question and Closing

In all cultures, after someone asks how you are, it is polite to return the question. In sign language, this is done efficiently using a crucial conversational element: the WH-Question Mark Wiggle or a simple pronoun shift.

To ask "And you?" or "How about you?":

• ASL Reciprocal Question: Simply point your index finger (the sign for YOU) at the person you are talking to, and simultaneously use the Questioning Expression (furrowed brows and head tilt). The context of the conversation makes the full "How are you?" unnecessary—the sign for YOU with the NMM is sufficient.
• Thank You: After the exchange, sign THANK-YOU by bringing your dominant hand (flat palm facing you) from your mouth forward towards the person.

By mastering the two-part sign for "HOW YOU?" in ASL, the single-movement sign in BSL, and the essential Non-Manual Markers, you are not just learning vocabulary; you are engaging respectfully with the rich Deaf Culture and laying the groundwork for meaningful communication.