When communicating in sign language, it’s essential to know how to express various everyday concepts. One such term is “call,” which can be conveyed through specific hand movements and gestures. In this guide, we will explore formal and informal ways to say “call” in sign language, providing you with tips, examples, and even regional variations if necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Call”
Formal sign language often follows standardized rules and grammar to ensure clarity and precision. Here are some formal ways to say “call” in sign language:
- Open Hand with Thumb to Ear: To convey the action of making a phone call in sign language, place your open hand near your ear with the thumb gently touching the earlobe. Then, mimic the motion of talking into a phone with your other hand.
- Telephone Gesture: Another common formal sign for “call” is to form your hand into the shape of an old telephone receiver by holding your thumb on one side and the pinky finger on the other. Bring your hand up to your ear as if picking up the receiver to indicate a call.
Informal Ways to Say “Call”
Informal sign language can vary between regions and often relies on natural gestures and contextual cues. Here are some informal ways to say “call” in sign language:
- Two-Finger Gesture: To express the idea of calling or getting someone’s attention casually, hold up your index and middle fingers a few inches away from your mouth and flick them forward as if you were throwing something small towards the person.
- Tapping Shoulder or Waving Hand: In some informal sign language variations, you can tap your shoulder lightly with an open hand or wave your hand slightly to indicate getting someone’s attention or calling them.
Regional Variations
While sign language generally follows similar principles across different regions, there might be minor variations in certain gestures or signs. Remember that sign languages are influenced by various cultural and linguistic factors. Here are a couple of regional variations:
American Sign Language (ASL): In ASL, the formal sign for “call” often involves making a “C” shape with your hand and placing it near your mouth, mimicking the action of talking on the phone.
British Sign Language (BSL): BSL has an essential formal sign for “call” that incorporates the action of dialing a rotary phone by imagining the rotary dial pad near your ear while rotating your hand.
Tips and Examples
Here are some valuable tips and additional examples to aid in understanding how to sign “call” in both formal and informal settings:
- Facial Expressions: When signing “call,” using appropriate facial expressions can provide extra context and convey emotions such as urgency or interest. For example, raising your eyebrows slightly while forming the sign can indicate excitement.
- Gesture Smoothly: Ensure your gestures flow smoothly to enhance clarity. Avoid abrupt or jerky movements.
- Context Matters: The context in which you use the sign for “call” is crucial. Make sure you consider the conversation or situation to ensure proper interpretation.
Now, let’s look at some practical examples:
- In a formal setting, such as a classroom or a workplace, you can use the standardized gestures mentioned earlier to sign “call.”
- When casually hanging out with friends, you could use the informal “two-finger gesture” or a simple wave to get someone’s attention or indicate that you want to talk to them.
Remember to adapt your signing style to the setting, considering the formality and the preferences of the people you are communicating with.
In conclusion, sign language offers a variety of ways to express the concept of “call.” Whether you prefer formal or informal sign language, understanding different gestures and regional variations can greatly enhance your communication skills. By following the tips and examples provided in this guide, you’ll be able to confidently convey the action of making a call in sign language.
