Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “help” in sign language! Understanding how to communicate this crucial word in both formal and informal settings can be extremely important in various situations, especially when interacting with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Help in Sign Language
When it comes to formal sign language, there are different signs you can use to convey the meaning of “help” based on the sign language system being used. To provide a broad overview, we’ll cover ways to say “help” in American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL), two widely used sign languages.
American Sign Language (ASL)
In ASL, the sign for “help” involves extending the dominant hand palm-upward and touching the center of your chest with the fingertips. Then, with a slight upward movement, move your hand forward, away from your body. This sign represents reaching out for assistance.
Example: Whenever Emma needs assistance, she signs “help” by touching her chest and moving her hand forward, indicating she requires aid.
British Sign Language (BSL)
In BSL, the sign for “help” starts with your non-dominant hand held open and flat, palm facing upward. Then, take your dominant hand and place it on top of the non-dominant hand, making a gentle downward pulling motion.
Example: Brian uses the BSL sign for “help” when he wants to ask for assistance. He places his dominant hand on top of his non-dominant hand and pulls down slightly, indicating that he needs help.
Informal Ways to Say Help in Sign Language
When it comes to informal sign language, gestures tend to vary more depending on personal preferences and regional differences. However, we can explore some common ways that people informally express “help” using gestures or signs.
Gestures
Informal gestures for “help” are often universal and can be understood across cultures. One common gesture is raising your hand or both hands, palm-outward, and waving them slightly. This action conveys that you need assistance.
Example: Sarah was lost in a foreign country and didn’t know the local sign language. Instead, she raised her hand and waved slightly to catch someone’s attention and ask for help.
Modified Signs
In informal sign language, sometimes modified versions of formal signs are used. People adapt signs to make them easier or faster to convey, especially in casual and informal settings.
Example: In an informal setting, instead of using the formal ASL sign for “help,” Mary simplifies it by just touching her chest and quickly pulling her hand forward.
Tips for Communicating “Help” in Sign Language
Here are some helpful tips to bear in mind when communicating the concept of “help” in sign language:
- Always ensure you have the person’s attention before signing the word “help.”
- Use facial expressions and body language to convey the urgency or seriousness of your request for assistance.
- Keep your signing clear and concise, focusing on the essential gestures.
- Make sure your signing is within the person’s line of sight and at an appropriate distance.
- Respect the person’s preferred sign language system and use the appropriate signs for their language.
- When in doubt, ask the person you are communicating with for guidance on the most appropriate way to sign “help.”
Conclusion
Learning how to say “help” in sign language is invaluable, allowing you to effectively communicate with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Whether you are using a formal sign language like ASL or BSL, or employing informal gestures, always remember to be respectful and mindful of the context and preferences of the person you are communicating with.
By applying the information, tips, and examples provided in this guide, you will gain the ability to effectively express your need for assistance using sign language while maintaining a warm and inclusive tone in your communication.
