Learning how to say goodbye in American Sign Language (ASL) is a valuable skill when communicating with individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Saying goodbye in ASL involves using specific hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to convey your farewell. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to say goodbye in ASL, providing you with tips, examples, and regional variations (if necessary) along the way.
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Formal Ways to Say Goodbye in ASL
Saying goodbye formally in ASL is essential in professional settings, formal gatherings, or when addressing individuals you have just met. Here are a few formal ways to convey your farewell:
1. The Wave
The most common formal way to say goodbye in ASL is a simple wave. Extend your hand, palm facing outward, and gently move it back and forth from the wrist. Ensure your movements are smooth and controlled, accompanied by a warm smile to convey friendliness and respect.
2. Goodbye Gesture
Another formal way to say goodbye involves using the specific ASL sign for “goodbye.” To perform this sign:
- Extend your dominant hand with your palm facing forward, fingers slightly bent and together.
- Move your hand from your mouth outward in a straight line, ending with your palm facing up.
- Convey a polite expression on your face to match the formality of the gesture.
3. Formal Facial Expression
When saying goodbye formally in ASL, it is crucial to accompany your goodbye with an appropriate facial expression. Maintain a calm and respectful expression while ensuring that warmth and sincerity are reflected in your eyes and smile. This conveys a sense of formality and sets the tone for a respectful departure.
4. Signing “Goodbye”
In ASL, you can also use the word “goodbye” itself by signing each letter. Start by signing the letter “G” with your dominant hand held upright, then move through the letters “O,” “O,” “D,” “B,” “Y,” and “E” while articulating each letter clearly. This method is especially useful in formal settings or when you want to emphasize the word itself.
Tip: Remember, when saying goodbye formally in ASL, it is important to demonstrate respect, maintain appropriate eye contact, and ensure your body language reflects your sincerity and professionalism.
Informal Ways to Say Goodbye in ASL
When interacting with friends, family, or individuals you have developed a close relationship with, informal ways to say goodbye in ASL can be used to convey a sense of familiarity, warmth, and affection. Here are a few examples:
1. Cheek Kiss
A common informal way to say goodbye in ASL is by gently planting a kiss on the cheek of the person you are bidding farewell to. Bring your closed hand near your lips, slightly puckering them, and then bring your hand towards the person’s cheek without actually making contact. This gesture reflects affection and may be accompanied by a smile.
2. Hug and Wave
Combine a friendly hug with a wave as a more casual way to say goodbye. Embrace the person you are saying goodbye to, hold the hug briefly, and then release while simultaneously performing a waving motion with your free hand. This gesture conveys warmth and affection in an informal manner.
3. Friends Forever Sign
Using the “Friends Forever” sign as a way to say goodbye with close friends is a casual and meaningful gesture. To perform this sign:
- Extend your pinky finger, index finger, and thumb while keeping the other fingers folded against your palm.
- Tap the fingertips of your extended hand against the fingertips of the other person’s extended hand.
4. Informal Facial Expression
When saying goodbye informally in ASL, you have more room to express excitement, happiness, or playfulness through your facial expressions. Accompany your goodbye with a warm smile, raised eyebrows, and lively eye contact. These expressions enhance the informal nature of your farewell.
Regional Variations
It is important to note that ASL may have regional variations in some signs across different geographic locations, just like spoken languages have dialects. However, the core ASL signs for saying goodbye remain generally consistent throughout the United States.
If you are unsure about regional variations, it is best to use more universal ASL signs like the wave, “goodbye” gesture, or spelling out “goodbye.” These signs are widely understood regardless of the specific region.
Conclusion
In conclusion, saying goodbye in ASL can be achieved through various formal and informal gestures, facial expressions, and signs. Whether you are in a formal or casual setting, it is crucial to adapt your ASL goodbye to match the level of formality and the relationship you share with the person you are saying goodbye to. Remember to maintain respect, warmth, and sincerity while conveying your farewell using appropriate ASL signs and expressions. By learning how to say goodbye in ASL, you show respect for Deaf culture, build stronger connections, and promote inclusiveness in your communication.
