How are reciprocal verbs produced in ASL?

• A. Two people performing the same action simultaneously in opposite directions at the same time.
• B. One person signs while the other remains still.
• C. They are signed in a circular motion.
• D. They involve pointing only at the signer.

Answer: (A)

Reciprocal verbs in ASL are shown when two signers perform the same action at the same moment, facing each other with mirrored, symmetric movement. This simultaneous, mirrored production signals that both people are involved in the action toward one another, each being both the agent and the patient. In practice, you’ll see both signers execute the verb together, often moving toward or around each other in a coordinated way, so the gesture sits between them rather than flowing from one person to the other after the first signer starts.

That shared, concurrent action distinguishes reciprocity from other patterns. If only one person signs while the other remains still, there’s no mutual action. Circular movement doesn’t inherently show two participants acting together. Simply pointing at the signer also doesn’t convey mutual engagement.