Sign language is a rich and expressive form of communication that enables individuals with hearing impairments to convey their thoughts, emotions, and ideas. Understanding how to say “come on” in sign language can be helpful in various situations, whether you want to encourage someone to join you or express frustration. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “come on” in sign language, providing tips, examples, and highlighting any regional variations that may exist.
Table of Contents
Formal Way: “Come On” in American Sign Language (ASL)
When using American Sign Language (ASL) to express “come on” in a formal manner, you can use a combination of specific signs and facial expressions. Here’s the step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Gesture the Direction
Bend your index finger towards you, starting from the middle of your palm, to indicate the direction you want the person to come from. Extend your arm slightly, with your palm facing up, to offer a clear indication.
Step 2: Use a Facial Expression
To emphasize your encouragement or invitation, adopt a welcoming and open expression. Smile genuinely and raise your eyebrows slightly to convey a positive and inviting attitude.
Step 3: Combine the Signs
Simultaneously perform the gesture from Step 1 and maintain the appropriate facial expression described in Step 2. Hold the signs for a moment to allow the person to notice and understand the message you are conveying.
Tip: Remember to maintain a relaxed and friendly atmosphere while signing “come on” in a formal setting. Your body language and facial expressions play crucial roles in conveying the intended message.
Informal Way: “Come On” in ASL Slang
Just like spoken languages, sign languages also have variations and slang terms used in informal settings. Here’s an informal way of signing “come on” in ASL:
Step 1: Gesture the Direction with a Flick
Instead of a slow bend of your index finger as in the formal version, extend your arm in the direction you want someone to come from and give a quick flick of your index finger toward your body. This gesture adds a sense of urgency or excitement to the invitation.
Step 2: Enhance the Facial Expression
To match the informal tone, intensify your facial expression by widening your eyes a bit more and raising your eyebrows higher than in the formal version. Keep the inviting smile, but add a playful or enthusiastic vibe.
Step 3: Perform the Signs with Energy
Combine the gesture and the enhanced facial expression from Steps 1 and 2, but with additional energy. Make the flick of your finger snappy and intentional, expressing a more energetic “come on” vibe in an informal setting.
Tip: While using this informal version, it is vital to consider the context and your relationship with the individual with whom you are communicating. Informal sign language variations are often used among friends, peers, or in casual settings.
Regional Variations and Considerations
Sign languages have different regional variations, and some signs may vary based on the country or even within specific communities. When it comes to saying “come on” in sign language, there might be slight regional variations in the signs used. It’s essential to understand that the guides provided here primarily focus on American Sign Language (ASL). However, if you are interacting with members of different deaf communities, it’s advisable to learn the specific signs used in those regions.
Examples of Usage
Here are a few examples to further clarify how to use the formal and informal ways to say “come on” in sign language:
- Formal: Your friend is hesitant to join a group activity, and you want to encourage them. You can sign “come on” formally, using the gestures and facial expressions described above, to show them they are welcome.
- Informal: You and your friends are watching a thrilling game, and you want to urge your team to score. Using an informal version, you can sign “come on” with an enthusiastic flick and a playful facial expression to express excitement and support.
Conclusion
Learning sign language is a valuable skill that allows us to communicate and connect with the deaf and hard of hearing communities. We have explored both formal and informal ways to say “come on” in sign language using American Sign Language (ASL). Remember to consider the context and your relationship with the person you are communicating with while using an informal version. Additionally, be aware that sign languages may have regional variations, so it’s beneficial to learn the signs used in specific communities. Adopt a warm and welcoming tone when using sign language, and let the power of nonverbal communication create meaningful connections.
