TExES American Sign Language (ASL) (184) Practice Test

In ASL, reflexive (emphatic) pronouns are marked with a specific handshape to emphasize the subject. The A handshape is used for these forms, such as myself, yourself, himself, herself, and themselves, because its compact shape allows a quick, focused sign that centers on the self. This emphatic form is typically signed near the chest to signal that the action refers back to the subject, setting it apart from the ordinary pointing pronouns. The other handshapes serve different signs and don’t convey this emphatic reflexive meaning.