ASL Grammar: Role Reaction

Is the sign “look” more than just about looking?

Professor Garrett Bose

Video ID: A male with light complexion, Garrett, in a white and charcoal polo shirt stands in front of a white background with the text on the top, “ASL Grammar: Role Reaction”.

What is role reaction? It is the sign “look.”

“Look” can mean thinking, saying, and acting.

For example, “they say yes” is signed as “they look yes.”

Another example, “I think” is signed as “I think look.”

Here are more examples for comparison.

Video ID: Two of Garrett stand opposite one another. One side represents non-role acting. Another side represents role acting.

Non-Role Acting: They say “ugh” and they say “stop it.”
Role Acting: Look ugh, look finish (within 3D).

Non-Role Acting: The cloud says it gives rain.
Role Acting: Cloud look give rain (within 3D).

Non-Role Acting: I laugh.
Role Acting: I look laugh.