When speaking to members of the deaf community, the first thing to do is introduce yourself. This article will explain how to pronounce your name in American Sign Language, the sign language spoken in the United States and Canada. Universal Sign Language is rarely used and is not a practical method of communication. These instructions will not be useful in other countries.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Introducing Yourself in American Sign Language
Step 1. The "Hi" gesture (Hi)
Make the number "5" closed (palms open, fingers together). Place your thumbs on the sides of your forehead and pull them out a little, like a small salute.
Or, simply wave your hand in small motions near your head
Step 2. The "My" gesture
Place your hands on your chest, near the center. Don't pat your chest.
Some people prefer to point. Place the tip of the index finger against the breastbone. Both signs can be used, although this is actually a sign of " me."
Step 3. Gesture " Name " (Name)
Extend the middle and index fingers and fold all the remaining fingers, as if you were spelling a U finger. Turn them on their sides, so that the index finger is on top. Place the fingers of your dominant hand on top of the fingers of the other hand, gently clapping twice. A horizontal X-like shape should appear in front of you.
Step 4. Spell your name with your finger
Now is the time to finger spell your name. Keep your hands in a firm position. Do the spelling at a steady pace. Better to spell smoothly, than to spell hastily.
- Pause between words if you spell your full name.
- If your name contains two consecutive letters of the same name, (such as the M in Muhammad), “open” and “close” your hand to repeat the letters. For letters that are difficult to repeat, move your hand slightly to the side for the second letter, without changing the shape of the hand. Or, bounce “over” the previous letter.
Step 5. Combine everything
Continue to practice "Hi, my name _ " in gentle motions. Keep the words in order.
There is no verb " to be " in ASL (was, is, were, being, been…). Don't spell "to be" into a sentence
Step 6. Give body language to show emotions
Facial and body expressions are very important in ASL. Gestures without facial and body expressions are like speaking in a monotone tone. Thus, it will be difficult to chat much with you.
When spelling your name, try to sound friendly. Smile and widen your eyes. When signaling "MY" (me), raise your head slightly understandingly. Maintain eye contact with the other person
Step 7. Enter your name cue (optional)
Name cues, which will be discussed below, are not required in introductions. If you're being formally introduced, stick to the spelling method. Name cues will appear later at more casual events. However, if you're being introduced casually, such as by a close friend, you can replace your introduction with "Hi, my name (name with finger spellings)."
Method 2 of 2: Getting Name Cues in ASL
Step 1. Start with finger spelling
Since you don't currently have a name cue, you can introduce yourself using finger spelling. First, learn how to finger spell the American version of Sign Language from wikiHow articles, online videos, or friends/relatives who are deaf. Just finger-spel the letters of your name in order. Practice until you can do it at a smooth, constant pace, and keep your hands firmly in front of you.
- Sign language is not based on the alphabet. Therefore there is no need to spell all the words with your fingers. Finger spelling is used in situations like this, when you need to say a noun that doesn't have sign language, such as your name.
- If your name is short and easy to spell with your fingers, this is most likely your permanent name.
Step 2. Learn about name cues
Your "name sign" is a special word made just for you. Name signaling depends entirely on how the other person wants to say your name, when he feels you are already part of the community. Here are some patterns that name cues usually follow.
-
Custom name cues: One of the most common ways to make a name cue is to have one hand hand-spelled the first letter of your name. Tap this letter several times at specific points on the body, usually on the forehead, cheeks, chin, shoulders, or chest. Alternatively, move your hands between two adjacent places, or move them back and forth in a "neutral space" near the front of your chest.
Say Your Name in Sign Language Step 11 There's no need to be too picky about one place over another, because this type of name sign is indeed "at will."
-
Descriptive name cues: These names are references to a characteristic, usually physical and very obvious. For example, you can run a cut across your face, or twist your fingers down your neck to hint at long, curly hair. Beginners usually prefer this method because it is more fun. However, name cues are more difficult to define on their own. Sign language is a visual grammar that limits hand shape, location and movement. Unless you have taken an ASL course or have been practicing for a long time, your name may not sound like a word.
Say Your Name in Sign Language Step 12 -
Combined name cue: This is the third and final type of name cue: a cue that refers to a physical characteristic and uses the first letters of your name. While this breed is popular with the deaf, some people see it as a modern way that doesn't fit into the traditional naming system. It is very likely that the deaf will eventually signal a combined name. Don't try to make your own name cues because it's considered rude. Also don't try to sign your name with any other kind.
Say Your Name in Sign Language Step 13
Step 3. Let the deaf person give you a name
Don't make your own name cue. If the deaf person has given you a name sign, then he has accepted you into his community. This is a big moment for non-deaf sign language users, and in some groups, it can take years to get there. If you're not convinced by the arguments just now, here are some risks in making your own name cue:
- You can use hand shapes and gestures that are difficult to see, or violate sign grammar rules (for example, " Hi, my name is Zzxqbub.")
- You can make gestures that seem like rude words.
- The name cue already belongs to someone else.
- Your name can seem like the name of an important or famous person (imagine a stranger trying to take the name Martin Luther King.)
- Making one's own name sign is against the deaf culture.
Step 4. Watch the name change and multiplication
If you've studied ASL and know an experienced sign language user, you've probably noticed someone called by many names. This is because he received names from several different communities. Over time, name cues may change location or hand shape to distinguish them from similar names, so they can be signaled more quickly or discard embarrassing or irrelevant references.
Tips
- There are hundreds of sign languages spread all over the world. American Sign Language and finger spelling are mostly spoken in the United States and Canada. Discussion of the cultural meaning of name signs is also limited to this area.
- When doing sign language, don't assume the other person can read mouth movements ("lip-read"). Even a trained mouth reader can only see about 30% of your speech.
- Deaf people starting with lowercase letters mean people who have lost their hearing, while those starting with capital letters refer to the community and culture created by native sign language users.
- In sign language, use body language to express what you say. For example, you can express your disapproval with a contemptuous expression, while to express your hatred, furrow your eyebrows and nose.
- For simple sentences, don't worry too much about facial expressions. A smile from a 'hello' was more than enough.
