In American Sign Language (ASL), communication is primarily achieved through visual gestures, hand movements, and facial expressions. If you are looking to learn how to say “medicine” in ASL, you have come to the right place! In this guide, we will explore both the formal and informal ways to express the word “medicine” in ASL, with numerous tips and examples to help you grasp the concept. Please note that regional variations exist within ASL, but we will focus on the widely used signs that are generally understood across the ASL community.
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Formal Ways to Sign “Medicine” in ASL
When using ASL in more formal settings, such as in educational or professional contexts, you can use the following signs to express “medicine”:
Sign 1: MEDICINE (Pharmacy Cross Sign)
This sign is often used when discussing pharmaceutical or over-the-counter medication. Follow these steps to perform the sign:
- Place your non-dominant hand (left hand if you are right-handed) flat with palm facing up in front of your body.
- With your dominant hand (right hand if you are right-handed), form an “X” shape using your index finger and thumb.
- Place the “X” hand directly above your non-dominant hand.
- Gently tap the back of your non-dominant hand once with the “X” hand.
Remember, the specific handshape can vary slightly between signers, but the general concept remains consistent.
Sign 2: DRUG
This sign is often used to refer to pharmaceuticals or medication in a more general sense. Here’s how to perform the sign:
- Extend your non-dominant hand (left hand if you are right-handed) out in front of your body with palm facing up.
- With your dominant hand (right hand if you are right-handed), form a “D” handshape by making a fist with your thumb extended between your index and middle fingers.
- Rest the “D” handshape on the palm of your non-dominant hand.
- Gently tap your non-dominant hand once with the “D” handshape.
These formal signs symbolize the concept of medicine in a professional or academic setting, and are widely recognized within the ASL community.
Informal Ways to Sign “Medicine” in ASL
Informal signs are commonly used in everyday situations and casual conversations. Here are a couple of signs frequently used in informal contexts:
Sign 1: MEDICINE (Pill Bottle Sign)
This sign is often used when discussing medicine in a more casual setting. Follow these steps to perform the sign:
- Hold your non-dominant hand (left hand if you are right-handed) flat with palm facing up in front of your body.
- With your dominant hand (right hand if you are right-handed), form a “C” handshape by making a fist with your thumb extended between your index and middle fingers.
- Take the “C” handshape and pretend to twist the lid of an imaginary pill bottle on the palm of your non-dominant hand.
Sign 2: MEDICINE (Swallowing Sign)
This sign is used to convey the action of taking medicine orally. Here’s how to perform the sign:
- Extend your non-dominant hand (left hand if you are right-handed) out in front of your body with palm facing up.
- With your dominant hand (right hand if you are right-handed), form a “V” handshape by extending your index and middle fingers, while keeping your other fingers curled into your palm.
- Take the “V” handshape and bring it to your mouth, as if mimicking the act of swallowing a pill.
These informal signs are commonly used in everyday conversations and are perfect for expressing the concept of medicine in a casual manner.
Conclusion
Learning how to say “medicine” in ASL opens up new pathways for effective communication. Whether you are in a formal or informal setting, there are various signs you can utilize to convey the meaning of “medicine” in ASL. Remember that formal signs like “MEDICINE” (Pharmacy Cross Sign) or “DRUG” are better suited for professional or educational contexts, while informal signs like “MEDICINE” (Pill Bottle Sign) or “MEDICINE” (Swallowing Sign) are widely used in everyday conversations. Practice these signs, observe ASL speakers, and embrace the visual beauty of this captivating language!
