Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “nonverbal” in American Sign Language (ASL). ASL is a beautiful and expressive language that allows deaf individuals to communicate their thoughts, ideas, and emotions through hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements. In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways to express “nonverbal” in ASL, providing tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Way to Say “Nonverbal” in ASL
In formal ASL, the sign for “nonverbal” consists of three main components: handshape, movement, and location.
Handshape:
The ASL sign for “nonverbal” begins with both hands open, palms facing inward, and fingers extended slightly apart. The pinky and thumb fingers are usually slightly bent, but not touching.
Movement:
To express “nonverbal” in ASL, the hands remain stationary, without any specific movement.
Location:
The sign for “nonverbal” is typically made near the chin or lower face, as if indicating that the absence of verbal communication is focused on the mouth.
Remember, in formal ASL, it is crucial to maintain a clear and distinct handshape, movement, and location for accurate communication. Practice with a skilled ASL user or watch online tutorials to perfect your execution of the formal sign for “nonverbal.”
Informal Way to Say “Nonverbal” in ASL
Informal ASL tends to be more fluid and may rely on contextual language use.
In informal ASL, there are various ways to express the concept of “nonverbal.” One common method is to use the letters “N” and “V” in fingerspelling, followed by the sign for “communication.” For example, you can fingerspell “NV” and then sign “communication” to convey the idea of “nonverbal.”
Another informal way to express “nonverbal” is to use a combination of appropriate facial expressions and body movements to communicate the concept effectively. For instance, you can emphasize miming actions of silence or pointing to your mouth while indicating “communication” to convey the notion of being “nonverbal.”
Tips for Effective Communication
1. Facial Expressions:
ASL relies heavily on facial expressions as they help convey tone, emotions, and specific meanings. Make sure your facial expressions match the intended message. For “nonverbal,” maintain a serious or thoughtful expression to represent the absence of verbal speech.
2. Body Movements:
Utilize appropriate body movements to enhance your signing. For example, when signing “nonverbal,” maintain a calm and composed stance, emphasizing your hands and facial expressions to convey the message clearly.
3. Practice Regularly:
To become fluent in ASL, consistent practice is essential. Regularly engage with the deaf community, attend ASL classes, or find online resources to improve your signing skills. The more you practice, the more natural and accurate your signs will become.
Examples of “Nonverbal” in ASL
Here are some examples of how to sign “nonverbal” in ASL:
- Formal: Handshape: Open hands, fingers extended slightly apart. Movement: Stationary. Location: Near the chin or lower face.
- Informal: Fingerspell “NV” and then sign “communication.” Alternatively, emphasize silent actions or point to your mouth while indicating “communication.”
Remember, it is essential to practice these signs regularly and seek feedback from fluent ASL users to ensure accurate communication.
Regional Variations
While ASL is predominantly used in the United States and some parts of Canada, regional variations may exist. It is always beneficial to interact with different deaf communities and learn from ASL users hailing from various regions to be exposed to diverse signing styles and customs unique to those areas. However, for the specific concept of “nonverbal,” there are no significant known regional variations.
In conclusion, whether you use the formal sign or choose an informal method, expressing “nonverbal” in ASL involves a combination of hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements. Practice regularly, maintain proper posture, and communicate clearly with fluency and accuracy. By understanding and respecting the principles of ASL, you can navigate the world of nonverbal communication with ease and effectively engage with the deaf community.
