Honorific pronouns in ASL are signed with which handshape?

• A. B Thumb Out
• B. Y
• C. A Handshape
• D. Flat hand

Answer: (A)

In ASL, formality and respect can be shown through small changes in handshape, and honorific pronouns are signed with a B-handshape (flat hand) with the thumb extended outward. The B-handshape is the flat, fingers together position, and sticking the thumb out adds the nuance that this pronoun is being used in a respectful or deferential way toward the person being referred to. This slight alteration distinguishes the honorific form from a neutral or casual flat-hand sign. Other handshapes listed would produce different signs altogether and don’t carry the same respectful nuance in this context.