Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “helicopter” in American Sign Language (ASL). In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways of signing “helicopter” along with tips, examples, and regional variations if necessary. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Way to Sign “Helicopter” in ASL
When signing “helicopter” in a formal setting, follow these steps:
- Extend your non-dominant hand in front of you, palm facing upwards.
- Using your dominant hand, create a closed fist with your thumb extended upwards.
- Place your dominant hand on top of the fingers of your non-dominant hand and rotate it slowly, mimicking the rotation of helicopter blades.
- While rotating your hand, move it slightly upwards and slightly forwards to represent the movement and trajectory of a flying helicopter.
This formal sign for “helicopter” is widely recognized and understood by members of the Deaf community across the United States.
Informal Way to Sign “Helicopter” in ASL
If you are in an informal setting or with a friend, you can use a more playful and simplified sign for “helicopter” as follows:
- Hold both of your arms outstretched, parallel to the ground.
- With your hands open and fingers extended, move them up and down simultaneously, mimicking the up-and-down movement of helicopter blades.
This informal sign captures the essence of a helicopter’s movement in a more casual and expressive way. It’s popular among friends and peers within the Deaf community.
Tips for Sign “Helicopter” in ASL
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind while learning to sign “helicopter” in ASL:
- Practice the signs in front of a mirror to ensure accuracy.
- Focus on maintaining smooth and fluid hand movements, resembling the rotational and hovering motion of a helicopter.
- Control your hand movements to display the desired speed and direction of the imaginary helicopter.
- Pay attention to facial expressions and non-manual markers, as they add meaning and emphasis to the sign.
Examples of “Helicopter” in ASL
Here are a few examples demonstrating how to sign “helicopter” in ASL:
Imagine you are at an airshow and excitedly signing to your friend, “Look at the amazing helicopter!” Use the formal sign for “helicopter” to convey your enthusiasm and awe.
Picture yourself playing with a child and pretending to fly a toy helicopter in the park. Playfully sign “helicopter” using the informal sign, engaging the child’s imagination and enjoyment.
Remember, when signing “helicopter” in ASL, the context and your relationship with the person you’re signing to will determine whether you use the formal or informal sign. Adapt accordingly to create a meaningful and appropriate interaction.
Regional Variations
ASL, like any language, may have variations in signs across different regions or communities. However, in the case of “helicopter,” the formal sign mentioned earlier is widely recognized and used throughout the United States. Therefore, regional variations for “helicopter” are not significant.
Keep in mind that it’s always beneficial to learn about regional variations if you plan to interact with diverse Deaf communities. This understanding shows respect and appreciation for linguistic diversity within the Deaf culture.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned how to say “helicopter” in ASL both formally and informally. Remember to practice the signs, pay attention to non-manual markers, and consider regional variations when appropriate. Now you’re ready to engage in conversations about helicopters with the Deaf community or impress your ASL instructor with your newfound knowledge!
