How to Sign "Same" in American Sign Language (ASL)

ASL shows "same" by putting two index fingers side by side and moving them together. The sign comes from the simple idea of showing that two things are exactly alike, and this meaning has stayed with us through many years of sign language development. You make the sign stronger by doing it twice or changing your face. The sign appears everywhere from chats with friends to serious talks in school and work. People can mix this sign with others to say things like "same as" or "exactly the same," which helps them express more complex ideas. In formal places, people sign it with extra care, but they're more relaxed about it when talking casually with friends.