WH Questions
In order to be able to communicate effectively, one must be able to ask and recognize questions. Presented here are some keywords that will allow one to ask a variety of questions in Japanese Sign Language.
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1. Who だれ
Brush the backs of the fingers of the right hand across the right cheek twice.
2. What なに
Make a fist with the right hand and extend the index finger. Hold the hand to the right side of the chest with the palm facing out and wag the index finger side to side a few times.
3. Where どこ
First, slightly bend the fingers and thumb of the right hand and hold it palm down in front of the center of the chest then make the sign for “what”.
4. When いつ
The open hands are held in front of the chest, one below the chin, the other below that with the palms facing in. Starting with the thumb, fold the fingers of both hands in one by one to make fists.
5. Why なぜ
The left hand is open with the palm down and fingertips pointing to the right and is held near the center of the chest. The right is made into a fist with the index finger pointing out and is poked under the left hand twice toward the interlocutor. This sign can also mean “reason” or “meaning” as well.
6. Which どっち
Both fisted hands with the index fingers extended are held next to each other palm out in the middle of the chest. They then are moved opposite each other, one going up the other going down a few times.
7. How どうやって
Place the open left hand, palm down in front of the chest and tap it twice with the palm of the right hand twice and then make the sign for “what”(as demonstrated on this page).
Edited June 05,2009