Learning to express emotions in American Sign Language (ASL) is an excellent way to enhance your communication skills, especially when interacting with the Deaf community. In this guide, we will explore how to say “cry” in ASL, both formally and informally. We will provide helpful tips, examples, and discuss regional variations if necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Way to Sign “Cry” in ASL
When signing “cry” formally in ASL, you would typically use the following sign:
Sign: Start with both hands open, palms facing inwards, near your eyes. Move your hands down along your face, keeping your palms facing inward, while simultaneously closing your fists.
Meaning: This sign represents shedding tears or crying emotionally.
Remember that when signing “cry” formally, it is important to use proper handshape, movement, and facial expressions to convey the intended emotion accurately.
Informal Way to Sign “Cry” in ASL
Informally, you might use a slightly different sign for “cry” in ASL. The informal sign is often used in casual settings or among friends. Here is the sign:
Sign: With both hands in “5” handshapes (fingers closed, thumb extended), place your hands near your eyes on either side of your face. Move your hands outward, extending your fingers while keeping your thumbs extended.
Meaning: This informal sign is commonly used to signify crying but in a less intense or emotional way than the formal sign.
Remember to incorporate appropriate facial expressions and body language while signing “cry” informally, as non-manual markers greatly enhance the meaning and emotion of your signs.
Tips for Accurate Signing
To ensure accurate signing of “cry” in ASL, consider the following tips:
- Practice with a mirror or record yourself to observe your handshape, movement, and facial expressions.
- Pay attention to the speed and smoothness of your signing to convey the right level of emotion.
- Follow a native signer or take ASL classes to learn from experts and further refine your signing skills.
- Use appropriate facial expressions and non-manual markers to convey the intended emotion accurately.
Examples
Now, let’s explore some examples of how to sign “cry” in different contexts:
Example 1: Formal Way
If you want to express intense crying or deep emotional distress, you might use the formal sign, as shown below:
Person A: “I can’t believe she left me!”
Person B (signing): “I’m so sorry! It must be really tough for you. [Signs ‘cry’ formally]“
Example 2: Informal Way
In a less intense situation involving crying, the informal sign can be used, as shown in the example below:
Person A: “I didn’t get the job I wanted.”
Person B (signing): “Oh no, that’s disappointing! [Signs ‘cry’ informally]“
Remember to adapt your signing based on the appropriate level of emotion for different situations.
Regional Variations
In general, ASL signs are standardized across the United States and even in certain regions of Canada. However, slight regional variations may exist due to cultural and historical factors. It is always helpful to learn from local Deaf communities or native ASL signers to become familiar with any specific regional variations in sign usage.
In Summary
In ASL, there are formal and informal ways to sign “cry.” Mastering both forms can enhance your communication skills and allow you to express emotions accurately in various contexts. Remember to practice, pay attention to proper handshape and movement, and always supplement your signs with appropriate facial expressions and body language. Learning from experts and native signers is invaluable in improving your ASL skills. Keep in mind that while ASL signs are generally standardized, minor regional variations may exist.
