Gathering with friends or family often involves raising a glass and toasting to special occasions. Toasting not only celebrates the moment but also brings people together in a joyful and festive way. In order to include everyone in such celebrations, it’s important to know how to say “cheers” in American Sign Language (ASL).
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Formal Ways to Say Cheers in ASL
When it comes to more formal situations, signing “cheers” in ASL can be done using the following gestures:
1. Classic Clinking Glasses Gesture
In formal events, many people clink their glasses together as a way to say cheers. In ASL, you can mimic this gesture by holding an imaginary glass in your hand and lightly tapping it against someone else’s imaginary glass while raising them up.
2. Two-Handed Toast Gesture
Another classic way to say cheers is by raising your glass with both hands in a toast-like manner. In ASL, you can replicate this gesture by extending both arms in front of you at shoulder level while holding an imaginary glass in each hand. Raise the glasses simultaneously while making eye contact with the person you are toasting.
3. Raising an Imaginary Glass
If you prefer a simpler gesture, you can say cheers in sign language by raising an imaginary glass high in the air. Hold your dominant hand as if gripping a drinking glass, extend your arm straight up, and smile as you make eye contact with others.
Informal Ways to Say Cheers in ASL
For less formal occasions, such as casual get-togethers or parties, there are a few friendlier ways to say cheers in ASL:
1. “Cheers” with a Toast Gesture
Informal settings often call for a more relaxed gesture. To say cheers in ASL, simply extend your dominant hand with the palm facing up, raise it to about chest level, and then tilt it slightly towards your mouth as if taking a sip from an imaginary glass. You can add a smile to make it even more friendly and inviting.
2. “Cheers” with a Fist Bump
Another informal way to say cheers in ASL is by giving a fist bump. As you clink your fists together, raise your eyebrows and maintain eye contact to convey a sense of shared celebration.
3. “Cheers” with a Virtual Toast
In situations where clinking glasses or raising an imaginary glass may be less practical, you can convey the toast in ASL by making the sign for “toast.” To do this, hold your open hand in front of your mouth and then move it forward, as if you are proposing a toast. Maintain eye contact and smile to make it more engaging.
Tips for Sign Language Cheers
When saying cheers in ASL, it’s important to keep a few tips in mind to ensure effective communication:
1. Eye Contact
To enhance the emotional connection in your toast, make sure to maintain eye contact with the person or people you are cheering with.
2. Facial Expressions
Facial expressions play a crucial role in sign language. Smile and show enthusiasm to express your genuine joy for the occasion.
3. Raise a Glass Even If Sans Alcohol
Even if you’re not holding an actual drink, mimicking the action of raising a glass in ASL can fully convey the cheers gesture.
4. Practice Pronunciation
Learning the correct sign language for cheers is essential. Practice the gestures to ensure accuracy and fluency when signing.
Examples of Cheers in ASL
Here are a few examples of how to say cheers in ASL:
Imagine holding a glass in your hand and raise it up. Smile and make eye contact with everyone around the circle.
Another example is making the “toast” sign by holding an open hand in front of your mouth and moving it forward.
Conclusion
Celebrating moments of joy and happiness with others is a special part of life. By knowing how to say “cheers” in American Sign Language (ASL), you can include deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals in your celebrations. Whether you opt for a formal gesture, an informal one, or even a virtual toast, your effort to communicate in ASL will be greatly appreciated. So, raise your “virtual glass” and share your cheer and positivity with everyone!
