Sign language is a rich and diverse form of communication used by individuals who are deaf or have hearing impairments. Just like spoken languages, sign languages have their own unique expressions and phrases. If you’re wondering how to say “make sense” in sign language, this guide will provide you with both formal and informal ways to express this concept. It’s important to note that sign languages may have regional variations, so we’ll focus on the American Sign Language (ASL) version.
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Formal Ways to Say “Make Sense” in ASL
When communicating formally in ASL, you can express the idea of “make sense” using different signs and gestures. Here are some formal ways to convey this concept:
1. General Understanding
One way to indicate that something “makes sense” is by using a specific facial expression and combining it with a sign. Hold your dominant hand up, palm facing you, fingers slightly apart, and tap your forehead lightly with your fingertips. While doing this, raise your eyebrows slightly to show comprehension. This signifies that you understand or have comprehended the information being presented.
2. Logical or Rational
For conveying the sense of logical or rational understanding, you can use the ASL sign for “understand.” Place your open hand, palm facing up, in front of your body and make small circular motions with your hand while slightly nodding your head. This sign represents the concept of mentally grasping or comprehending a logical or rational idea, indicating that it “makes sense.”
Informal Ways to Say “Make Sense” in ASL
When communicating in a more casual or informal context, ASL allows for variations in expressing the idea of “make sense.” Here are a couple of informal ways to convey this concept:
1. Clicking or Tapping Fingers
In an informal setting, some ASL users employ a certain finger movement to indicate that something “makes sense.” Hold your dominant hand up in front of you, fingertips pointing towards the person or thing you’re referring to, and quickly tap your fingers together twice or make a light clicking sound with your tongue. This gesture signifies comprehension or agreement, much like saying “I get it” or “that makes sense” in spoken language.
2. Pointing to the Brain
Another informal way to convey the idea of “make sense” is by pointing an index finger to your temple or pointing to your head. This gesture signifies that you understand the information or concept being shared. It can be used as a non-verbal way of saying “I understand” or “it makes sense,” especially in a casual or everyday conversation.
Tips for Learning and Using Sign Language
To effectively communicate in sign language, keep these tips in mind:
1. Practice Regularly
To become proficient in sign language, regular practice is crucial. This involves practicing signs, finger spelling, and facial expressions to improve your overall comprehension and fluency.
2. Seek Guidance from Deaf Communities
Interacting with deaf communities or seeking guidance from qualified sign language interpreters can provide valuable insights into the nuances of sign language. Engaging with native signers helps you learn regional variations, cultural aspects, and appropriate usage.
3. Focus on Non-Manual Signals
A significant part of sign language includes non-manual signals, such as facial expressions and body movements. Pay attention to these cues as they add meaning and context to your signing.
Remember, sign language is not just about hand movements—it encompasses a whole range of visual communication techniques that play a vital role in conveying the intended message.
Examples of Usage
To illustrate how to say “make sense” in ASL, here are a few examples:
- Example 1: If someone is explaining a concept to you and you understand, you can respond by signing “understand” while nodding your head slightly to indicate it makes sense.
- Example 2: In a more informal conversation, someone might explain a funny joke, and you can respond by clicking your fingers together or tap them together twice to show that it “clicks” and you find it amusing or comprehensible.
- Example 3: During a lecture or presentation, when the speaker asks if their explanation is clear, you can raise your eyebrows slightly, tap your forehead with your fingertips, and nod your head to show that it makes sense to you.
Remember, practicing and immersing yourself in sign language conversations will help you become more confident and natural in expressing “make sense” or any other concepts in ASL.
