Are you interested in discovering how to express the word “learned” in sign language? Whether you want to communicate proficiently with the hearing impaired, enhance your understanding of a fascinating visual language, or simply expand your linguistic knowledge, this guide will equip you with essential signs for expressing “learned” in both formal and informal ways. Let’s delve into the world of sign language together!
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Formal Ways to Say “Learned” in Sign Language
When considering formal sign language, it’s important to adhere to general best practices for clear and concise communication. Below are some appropriate ways to sign “learned” in formal sign language:
1. Sign: LEARN
To express “learned” formally, you can simply use the sign for “learn” by extending your non-dominant hand in front of you, palm facing upward, and repeatedly tapping the center of your palm with the fingers of your dominant hand. This sign represents acquiring knowledge through education or study.
Example: When discussing your academic achievements, you can say, “I learned a lot in my history class.”
2. Sign: ACQUIRE KNOWLEDGE
Another formal way to convey “learned” is by signing “acquire knowledge.” This sign involves forming both hands into relaxed fists, placing them side by side in front of you, and then pulling your hands toward your chest in a slight arc. This sign represents obtaining information or gaining knowledge through formal means.
Example: If you want to emphasize that you gained knowledge from a specific source, say, “I acquired knowledge from reading scientific journals.”
3. Sign: EDUCATED
To express the idea of being “educated” or having “learned” in formal sign language, sign “educated.” Place the fingertips of your dominant hand against your forehead, then move your hand forward and slightly down. This sign symbolizes having received a formal education or demonstrating learned behavior.
Example: Use this sign to share, “I feel educated after completing my degree.”
Informal Ways to Say “Learned” in Sign Language
Informal sign language embraces a more casual style of communication. It’s often used among friends, family members, or within specific communities. Here are some informal ways to sign “learned”:
1. Sign: KNOWLEDGE GET
An informal way to convey the idea of “learned” is to use the sign “knowledge get.” With your dominant hand, create an open hand shape, fingertips pointing up, and sweep it towards you from an open palm position. This sign signifies informally acquiring knowledge.
Example: In a laid-back conversation, you can say, “I went to a workshop, and I knowledge got so much about gardening!”
2. Sign: PICK UP
To express “learned” informally, you can employ the sign “pick up.” Extend your dominant hand with an open palm, fingers together, and move it up and down as if you are picking something up from an imaginary surface. This sign signifies informally picking up knowledge or skills along the way.
Example: When talking about your travels, you might say, “I picked up some Spanish during my trip to Spain.”
3. Sign: FIGURE OUT
Another informal sign for “learned” is “figure out.” Point your index finger and move it in a circle on your temple, indicating the act of figuring out or understanding. This sign represents informally learning through exploration or personal discovery.
Example: Share your experience by saying, “I figured out how to repair my bike all by myself.”
Regional Variations
Sign language is a unique and vibrant means of expression, with regional variations adding to its richness. While some signs may vary based on geographical location, it’s important to prioritize clarity and respect when communicating across different sign language communities. When referring to regional variations of expressing “learned,” ensure you consider the cultural context. Here’s an example of a regional variation:
Regional Variation: BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE (BSL)
In British Sign Language (BSL), a regional variation spoken primarily in the United Kingdom, you can express “learned” using a different sign. Place your non-dominant hand in front of you, palm up, and use your dominant hand to tap the wrist of your non-dominant hand a couple of times. This sign specifically represents “learned” in BSL and may differ from other sign languages used in different regions.
Example: In a conversation with individuals familiar with BSL, you can confidently say, “I really learned a lot about British history.”
Tips for Learning and Communicating in Sign Language
As you embark on your journey to learn sign language or improve your signing ability, here are some valuable tips:
- Immerse yourself in sign language by interacting with the deaf or hard of hearing community.
- Take formal sign language classes or workshops to gain a strong foundation.
- Practice regularly to improve fluency and muscle memory in your signing.
- Utilize online resources, such as videos and apps, for additional learning.
- Be patient with yourself and others as you develop your signing skills.
- Respect regional variations and cultural differences within sign language communities.
Remember, signing “learned” appropriately in different contexts demonstrates your knowledge of sign language and your respect for the diverse signing communities you encounter.
Sign language is an incredibly powerful tool, allowing individuals to communicate effectively and bridge the gap between the hearing world and the deaf community. By familiarizing yourself with formal and informal ways to express “learned” in sign language, you are taking an important step toward becoming a more inclusive and empathetic communicator.
So, go ahead and start exploring the world of sign language. Whether you choose the formal or informal approach, embrace the journey and enjoy the beauty of a language that transcends sound!
