ASK vs. ASK-TO

[Theresa Smith]

Don't forget the third "ask" sign which specifically means "ask-her/him" as in
telling the listener who to ask.  It is made with the non-dominant hand in the
upright index CL position (person/abstract point or idea), dominant hand in bent
V, palm-down orientation, dominant hand moves to "tackle" the index finger of the
non-dom hand.

Theresa Smith

Dan Parvaz wrote:

> > Is there any difference between ASK and ASK-TO, other than the inflectional
> > aspect of ASK-TO, which ASK doesn't have?
>
> For the benefit of the non-ASL signers on the list: ASK-TO begins with a
> closed fist in the asker's space, palm toward the askee, index finger
> extended upward. This is moved toward the askee while bending the top two
> joints of the index finger, representing a (lenited) question mark going
> from the asker to the askee.
>
> I have no native instincts on this -- what with not being a native and all
> -- but I was always under the impression that ASL/PRAY kept a core meaning
> of supplication, asking for a boon, etc. ASK-TO seems to have more of a
> meaning of eliciting information, even if the information requested is
> whether or not permission would be granted.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Dan.
>
> ____________
> ,,,
> . .   D A N  P A R V A Z  --  Geek-in-Residence
>  U    University of New Mexico Linguistics Dept
>  -    dparvaz@{unm.edu,lanl.gov}   505.480.9638