When asking about occupation in ASL, which option reflects the best usage of non-manual signals?

When asking about occupation in ASL, which option reflects the best usage of non-manual signals?

• A. 'What is your occupation?' with polite tone and appropriate non-manual signals.
• B. 'Where do you work?'
• C. 'What do you eat for lunch?'
• D. 'Do you work full time?'

Answer: (A)

Asking about someone’s job uses a question form that signals you’re seeking information about their occupation, and the non-manual signals (facial expression, brow position, and overall demeanor) are what make the inquiry polite and clear. The best choice uses the sign for “What” together with the occupation concept and pairs it with a calm, respectful facial expression and appropriate brow position. That combination signals a genuine, polite question about their profession, which is exactly what you want in conversations about work. The other options shift topics or use a different question type. Asking where someone works focuses on location rather than the job itself, asking what you eat for lunch is unrelated to occupation, and asking if you work full time uses a yes/no format that doesn’t directly inquire about one’s occupation. So the polite occupation question with proper non-manual signals best conveys the intended topic.

Asking about someone’s job uses a question form that signals you’re seeking information about their occupation, and the non-manual signals (facial expression, brow position, and overall demeanor) are what make the inquiry polite and clear. The best choice uses the sign for “What” together with the occupation concept and pairs it with a calm, respectful facial expression and appropriate brow position. That combination signals a genuine, polite question about their profession, which is exactly what you want in conversations about work.

The other options shift topics or use a different question type. Asking where someone works focuses on location rather than the job itself, asking what you eat for lunch is unrelated to occupation, and asking if you work full time uses a yes/no format that doesn’t directly inquire about one’s occupation. So the polite occupation question with proper non-manual signals best conveys the intended topic.