In American Sign Language (ASL), the word “patient” can be expressed through various signs and gestures. This guide will provide you with different ways to convey “patient” in ASL, including both formal and informal approaches. While there may be some regional variations, we will focus primarily on commonly used signs. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Sign for “Patient”
In formal settings or when using ASL in professional contexts, the sign for “patient” is typically expressed by combining several signs. Here’s how you can sign “patient” formally:
- Begin by signing the word “WAIT” by extending your non-dominant hand, palm facing up, and placing your dominant hand, palm down, on top of it. Your dominant hand represents an object, as your non-dominant hand supports it patiently.
- Next, transition into the sign for “PERSON” by tapping your index and middle fingers against your chest with your thumb extended. This sign represents an individual or a person.
- Finally, bring both hands together near your chest, forming the sign for “PATIENT.” The dominant hand stays in a flat position, and the non-dominant hand serves as the base.
Remember to maintain a neutral facial expression while signing “patient” formally. This sign reflects patience and respect for others’ time and needs.
Informal Sign for “Patient”
For casual conversations or when among friends, a simplified version of the sign for “patient” is commonly used. Here’s how you can sign “patient” informally:
- Start by holding your non-dominant arm horizontally, palm down, in front of your body. This arm acts as a representation of a surface or a table.
- With your dominant hand, create a flat handshape by extending your fingers together and placing your thumb against your palm, forming a shape similar to holding a pencil.
- Place your dominant hand on top of your non-dominant arm, palm down, and move it slowly from one end to the other, symbolizing patience or waiting.
When using the informal sign for “patient,” you can also slightly tilt your head to the side and maintain a relaxed facial expression to convey a sense of understanding and calmness.
Tips and Examples
Tips for Effective Communication
When signing “patient” in ASL, consider the following tips to enhance your communication:
- Maintain eye contact with the person you are communicating with, as it shows your attentiveness and engagement.
- Keep your signing movements clear and precise, ensuring that your gestures are easily distinguishable.
- Use appropriate facial expressions to convey emotions and convey the context effectively.
- Take turns in conversations to facilitate smooth communication and allow everyone to express their thoughts.
Examples of Usage
Imagine you are in a healthcare setting, and you want to discuss the importance of being a patient person during the recovery process. You can say: “It’s crucial to be patient on your journey to recovery. Patience helps you persevere and appreciate the progress.”
When having a casual conversation about waiting for someone, you can use the informal sign and say: “He said he’d be here soon, so let’s be patient and wait a bit longer.”
Remember, practicing these signs with others in the ASL community can significantly improve your fluency and accuracy over time. Don’t hesitate to ask for feedback and guidance to ensure you are signing correctly.
Sign language is a dynamic form of expression, and it’s essential to remain open to variations and different regional signs. While this guide focuses on commonly used signs, it’s always enriching to learn from diverse signing communities and adapt your signing accordingly.
Now, armed with both formal and informal signs for “patient,” you can confidently engage in conversations and express your ideas in ASL. Enjoy learning and communicating in the beautiful language of signs!
