American Sign Language: "agent"
The concept of "agent" has many variations and interpretations.
Let's start with the general meaning of an agent as "a person who
does something."
The sign for "person" is
sometimes initialized with the letter
"P" -- but in everyday signing there is generally no reason to use
the "P" handshapes. You can just use "flat" hands.
When you use the PERSON-[agent] sign in combination with other signs you
should always use "flat" hands (not "P"-hands).
The "PERSON-[agent]" sign in general, represents either "a person"
or can be added to certain verbs to indicate "a person who does" the
verb.
For example, when used with teach: "TEACH-PERSON-[agent]" means
"teacher." See: TEACHER
The PERSON-[agent] sign can also be used to mean an "individual."
PERSON-[agent]
QUESTION: A student posted:
Hey, I've been watching the TV show "Agent Carter" and was wondering how one
would go about signing "agent", as in a person working for the government.
How would tat work?
ANSWER:
If we think of an agent as someone who is an official representative of a
government or agency that typically issues badges to their agents then we
could sign "agent" using a modified-C-[index_and_thumb] on the non-dominant
side of the chest. One contact (tap) if used as part of the designation
"AGENT-CARTER" or a tendency toward two taps if used as a separate noun as
in "She is an agent."
If we use the one tap method for "SHE AGENT" it tends to take on the meaning
of "She is someone whom has been granted a badge and is therefore
representative of the agency granting the badge" -- thus either way (one or
two contacts) the general concept comes across for "She is an agent."
Sometimes the non-initialized sign for person is referred to as the "AGENT"
sign. It uses flat hands that move downward and has become a popular way to
sign "person" (since excessive initialization is something to be avoided in
ASL). This "agent" PERSON-[non-initialized] sign can mean "person" in
general or can be used as a suffix to turn certain verbs into nouns that
refer to a "person who does" the action represented by the verb. For example
RUN-PERSON = "runner." In some descriptions you might see the same concept
glossed as "RUN-AGENT" which is simply another way of indicating the same
concept. Or you may even see: "RUN-PERSON-[agent]" which I think is very
specific and clear as to what you are trying to describe.
If you mean "agent" as in insurance agent use "SELL-PERSON."
If you mean “agent” as in someone who represents someone else you could sign
“SHOW-PERSON-[agent]” which ties into the concept of “representative” which
is also signed by using the “SHOW-PERSON-[agent]” sign.
If you are referring to a chemical agent you could use a combination of
signs like SOIL-[substance], THING, “CAUSE-[catalyst]”, “HIT-[impact]”,
INFLUENCE/effect/advise, START/begin, SPREAD, CHANGE, etc. – according to
the specific chemical. If you are in a mixed language environment
[classroom, lab with Hearing coworkers] you should additionally spell AGENT
enough to establish the term so if it appears in writing (e.g. on a test or
in a document) the student or employee will recognize it.
If you are referring to a “free agent” such as an athlete who is eligible to
contract with any franchise you could spell F-R-E-E A-G-E-N-T and then use
signs such as not-YET SIGNATURE-[contract/sign-up-with/register] OFFER-to-me++[various]
HE/SHE CAN THINK-SELF CHOOSE-[select] TEAM HE/SHE WANT JOIN.
In some advanced theological (church) discussions you might sign “agent”
using REPLACE/instead/substitute-PERSON-[agent]. Note: the gloss “++”
indicates that a sign is done repeatedly.
If you are using “agent” as in a “secret agent” you could sign SECRET, spell
A-G-E-N-T and then use the INVESTIGATE sign while using “sneaky” body
language.
If the “agent” is someone functioning as a “go-between” you could use the
FACILITATE-PERSON-[agent] sign.
If you are the boss and the “agent” is your assistant you could sign “MY
ASSISTANT.”
Prior to the internet wiping out the profession of individuals who help
arrange travel for others we used to have “travel agents.” To indicate a
“travel agent” you would sign TRAVEL and spell A-G-E-N-T. If expansion is
necessary you would use signs like HE/SHE PLAN MY TRAVEL.
CHECK-[investigate]++ FLY SCHEDULE RESERVE FOR ME.
Notes:
See: PERSON
Also see: PEOPLE
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