When it comes to communicating in American Sign Language (ASL), it’s important to expand your vocabulary to cover a wide range of topics. One term that you may need to know is “cemetery,” which refers to a place where the deceased are laid to rest. In this guide, we will explore how to say “cemetery” in ASL, providing both formal and informal variations. While regional variations exist, we will focus on more widely used signs. So let’s get started!
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Formal Ways to Say “Cemetery” in ASL
When communicating in formal settings, such as during a professional ASL presentation or in a formal conversation, it is essential to use signs that are universally understood. Here are a few formal ways to sign “cemetery” in ASL:
- The “Graveyard” Sign: The most widely recognized formal sign for “cemetery” in ASL is by fingerspelling the word “C-E-M-E-T-E-R-Y” using the American Manual Alphabet. This formal approach ensures clear communication and is widely understood across different signing communities.
- The “Burial Ground” Sign: Another formal sign for “cemetery” involves using the sign for burial followed by the sign for ground. To sign burial, hold your dominant hand in a fist with the thumb resting on the side of your index finger and bring it down to the palm of your non-dominant hand. Then, sign ground by extending your non-dominant arm forward while keeping your palm flat.
Informal Ways to Say “Cemetery” in ASL
In less formal settings, such as casual conversations, there may be variations in how people sign “cemetery” in ASL. Here are a couple of commonly used informal ways to express this term:
- The “Dead Yard” Sign: One informal way to refer to a “cemetery” is by using the sign for dead followed by the sign for yard. To sign dead, point to your cheekbone area with your index finger, then sign yard by making an open palm shape and moving it slightly forward.
- The “Resting Place” Sign: Another informal sign for “cemetery” involves the sign for rest followed by the sign for place. To sign rest, interlace your fingers with your palms facing up and move your hands downward slightly. Then, sign place by bringing the fingertips of both hands together, palms facing down.
Examples and Tips for Using “Cemetery” in ASL
To provide you with a better understanding of how to use these signs in context, here are a few examples:
Example 1: During a formal ASL presentation, the speaker discussed the history of cemeteries in the local area and used the fingerspelled sign “C-E-M-E-T-E-R-Y” to ensure accurate comprehension.
Example 2: In a casual conversation, someone mentioned their recent visit to a cemetery and used the informal sign for “Dead Yard” to refer to the place.
Remember, it’s important to consider the context and your audience when using ASL signs for “cemetery.” If you are unsure which sign to use, fingerspelling the word using the American Manual Alphabet can be a reliable option in formal settings. However, learning and using variations can help you adapt to different signing communities and improve communication in informal contexts.
As with any language, practice and exposure to different signing styles will enhance your fluency in ASL. Consider joining local ASL meetups, taking online courses, or finding language exchange partners to further develop your skills.
Now that you have learned various ways to say “cemetery” in ASL, make sure to practice and incorporate these signs into your signing vocabulary. Happy signing!
