Hello and welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “help me” in American Sign Language (ASL). In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways of expressing this phrase, focusing primarily on the standard ASL signs. While there might be some regional variations, we will primarily focus on the most widely used signs. So let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Help Me” in ASL
When it comes to formal ASL, there are a few different signs you can use to express the idea of “help me.” Here are a couple of the most commonly used ones:
1. Open Hand Sign with Bent Fingers:
This sign involves opening your hand with fingers slightly bent at the knuckles, and then placing it on your chest. This sign symbolizes a plea for assistance and is widely understood in formal ASL settings.
2. Extended Arm with Palm Up:
Another formal sign for “help me” includes extending your arm straight out in front of you with your palm facing upward. You then move the arm slightly upward and downward a few times. This sign is also widely recognized in formal ASL contexts.
Informal Ways to Say “Help Me” in ASL
Informal ASL often uses simpler and quicker signs that are more commonly used in everyday situations. Here are a couple of informal signs for “help me” that you might encounter:
1. Hand Waving Downward:
This informal sign involves rapidly waving your hand downward a few times, as if signaling for someone’s attention. It is commonly used among friends, family, or in less formal settings when a quick request for help is needed.
2. Single Hand with Open Palm:
In informal settings, some individuals might use this sign by holding their hand flat with an open palm near their chest and then moving it upward slightly. It’s a more casual way of indicating a need for assistance.
Tips for Effective Communication in ASL
Here are a few tips to ensure effective communication when expressing “help me” in ASL:
1. Maintain Eye Contact:
When signing “help me,” make sure to maintain eye contact with the person you are communicating with. It shows respect and attention, making the communication clearer and more meaningful.
2. Sign Clearly and Confidently:
Ensure that your signs are clear, distinct, and confident. This will help the other person understand your message better and minimize any confusion that may arise.
3. Utilize Facial Expressions:
Facial expressions play a crucial role in ASL. When signing “help me,” use appropriate facial expressions to convey the urgency or emotion associated with your request.
Examples of Using “Help Me” in ASL
Let’s take a look at some practical examples of how you can use the signs for “help me” in ASL:
Example 1:
You’re lost in a busy street and need directions. You can approach someone and use the sign for “help me,” such as the open hand sign with bent fingers, to express your need for assistance.
Example 2:
You’re in a crowded room and need a pen. To get someone’s attention and indicate your need, you can use the informal sign of waving your hand downward a few times to communicate that you require assistance.
Example 3:
You’re in a formal meeting and need someone to bring you a document. In a more formal context, you can use the extended arm with palm up sign to express your need for help.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now learned several ways to say “help me” in ASL, both formally and informally. Remember to adapt the appropriate sign for the context and maintain clear communication to ensure your message gets across effectively. Although there might be slight regional variations, the signs covered in this guide are widely understood in ASL. Practice and confidence are key, so keep practicing and have fun communicating in this beautiful visual language!
