How to Say Attention in American Sign Language (ASL)

If you are interested in learning how to say “attention” in American Sign Language (ASL), you have come to the right place. ASL is a beautiful and expressive language used by the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in the United States. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express the concept of attention in ASL, while also providing some useful tips and examples.

Formal Ways to Say Attention in ASL

When it comes to formal situations, such as in a classroom or during a presentation, it is important to convey your message clearly and professionally. Here are a few formal signs for attention in ASL:

1. Sign: ATTENTION
   The sign for attention in formal ASL involves placing your non-dominant hand in front of your body, palm facing up, while using your dominant hand to tap the palm with your index finger a couple of times.
2. Sign: FOCUS
   Another formal way to say attention in ASL is by using the sign for focus. To do this, bring both hands together in front of your chest, with your palms facing each other. Then, extend your index fingers and move them forward, as if you are focusing your attention on something specific.
3. Sign: LISTEN
   The sign for listen is commonly used to grab someone’s attention in a formal setting. Simply place your non-dominant hand near your ear, palm facing up, while using your dominant hand to tap the top of the non-dominant hand with your index finger a couple of times.

Informal Ways to Say Attention in ASL

Informal situations, such as casual conversations or interactions with friends, often call for a more relaxed approach. Here are a few informal signs for attention in ASL:

1. Sign: HEY
   In informal ASL, a common way to get someone’s attention is by using the sign for hey. Simply raise your hand slightly above your shoulder, palm facing inwards, and make a small waving motion towards yourself.
2. Sign: LOOK
   Another informal sign for attention in ASL is the sign for look. Hold your non-dominant hand up with your palm facing forward, and use your dominant hand to form an “L” shape with your index finger and thumb. Then, bring your hand up to your eye level and open it, as if you are looking at something.
3. Sign: COME HERE
   If you want to get someone’s attention and bring them closer, the sign for come here can be used in informal ASL. Extend your arm in front of you, bending it slightly at the elbow, and make a beckoning motion with your fingers to encourage someone to come closer.

Examples of Using Attention in ASL

To better understand how to incorporate the signs for attention in ASL, here are a few examples of how they can be used in everyday conversations:

Example 1:
Imagine you are in a formal setting and need everyone to pay attention to an announcement. You could sign “ATTENTION” and wait for everyone to focus their attention on you.

Example 2:
Now, let’s consider an informal situation where you want to grab your friend’s attention across the room. You could use the sign for “HEY” to wave them over to your location.

Example 3:
In a classroom, asking a student to look at a specific page in their textbook could be done by signing “LOOK” and pointing to the relevant page.

Tips for Learning and Using ASL

If you are new to American Sign Language or want to improve your signing skills, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to becoming proficient in ASL. Set aside time each day to practice signing and interacting with others in the Deaf community.
• Join ASL communities: Surrounding yourself with ASL users and joining Deaf community events or classes can greatly enhance your learning experience.
• Use facial expressions and body language: ASL is not just about hand movements; facial expressions and body language play important roles in conveying meaning and emotion.
• Respect cultural sensitivity: When learning ASL, it is crucial to respect and understand the cultural norms and values of the Deaf community.

Remember, learning any new language takes time, patience, and dedication. With regular practice and a genuine interest in ASL, you can become more confident in expressing yourself and understanding others in this rich and vibrant language.