Are you looking to express feelings of sickness in American Sign Language (ASL)? In this comprehensive guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to convey “I feel sick” using ASL. It’s important to understand that ASL users may have regional variations, but we will focus on widely-used signs. So, let’s dive in and learn how to express your discomfort or illness in ASL!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “I Feel Sick” in ASL
When speaking formally in ASL, it’s important to be clear and use appropriate grammar. Here are a few signs and phrases you can use:
- Sick: Hold your flat hand near your forehead, then move it downwards slightly as if representing the feeling of sickness in your body.
- Me: Point to yourself by fully extending your index finger and pointing towards your chest.
- Feel: Use both hands and make a circular motion on your chest using your fingertips as if indicating the sensation inside your body.
- ASL: Show the fingerspelled letters “A-S-L” by holding your non-dominant hand in front of your chest, fingers closed, and your dominant hand fingerspelling the letters A, S, L.
Combining these signs and phrases, you can sign “I feel sick” formally by signing “SICK ME FEEL. ASL” with appropriate facial expressions. Remember to keep your movements smooth and convey the feeling naturally.
Informal Ways to Say “I Feel Sick” in ASL
When communicating more casually or informally in ASL, you can use shorter phrases and signs. Here are a few options:
- Sick: Use the same sign as mentioned earlier, where you hold your flat hand near your forehead and move it slightly downwards.
- Feel: Instead of making the circular motion on your chest, you can simplify it by tapping your chest lightly with your fingertips.
- Me: Similarly, use the index finger and point to yourself as mentioned before.
In informal situations, you can sign “SICK ME FEEL” to express that you are feeling sick. Remember to use appropriate facial expressions to convey the right tone and emotion of your sickness.
Tips for Expressing “I Feel Sick” in ASL
While learning the signs is important, there are a few additional tips to keep in mind when expressing your feelings of sickness in ASL:
- Facial Expressions: Your facial expressions play a crucial role in conveying emotions accurately. Ensure your face reflects the discomfort or pain you are experiencing to make your message clearer.
- Body Language: Use your whole body to express the feeling of sickness. Slightly slouch your shoulders, make smaller movements, and show signs of fatigue to portray being unwell effectively.
- Context: Keep in mind that context is essential for effective communication. If you are in a medical setting or seeking assistance, you may want to explain your symptoms more specifically.
- Practice: Regular practice is key to mastering any language, including ASL. Practice signing “I feel sick” in front of a mirror or with friends who know ASL. This will help you refine your movements and improve your overall fluency.
Examples of Conversations Using “I Feel Sick”
Let’s take a look at a couple of examples of how you can incorporate the phrase “I feel sick” into everyday conversations in ASL:
Example 1:
Friend: Hey, how are you today?
You: I feel sick. ????
Friend: Oh no, I’m sorry to hear that. What’s bothering you?
You: I have a terrible headache and an upset stomach.
Friend: Take care of yourself and get some rest.
Example 2:
Doctor: Can you describe your symptoms?
You: I feel sick. ????
Doctor: When did it start and what are you experiencing?
You: The symptoms started yesterday. I have a sore throat and body aches.
Doctor: I will prescribe some medications for you. Follow the instructions and let me know if it gets worse.
Remember, context and additional information are crucial in conversations. Be ready to describe your symptoms or ask for specific help when needed.
Learning to express “I feel sick” in ASL is just the beginning of your journey to communicate effectively in the language. Practice regularly, participate in ASL classes or social groups, and engage with the Deaf community to improve your fluency and expand your vocabulary.
Stay healthy and keep signing!
