In American Sign Language, expressing the concept of “pause” can be done through various signs and gestures. Whether you need to convey the need to take a brief break during a conversation, a presentation, or while participating in a signing session, understanding how to indicate a pause in ASL can be valuable. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express the concept of “pause” in ASL, along with some tips, examples, and regional variations where applicable.
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Formal Ways to Say “Pause” in ASL
When you want to indicate a formal pause in ASL, such as during a professional presentation or a formal conversation, there are a few signs and gestures that can be used:
- Open Palms: Place both of your open palms facing down in front of your chest, parallel to the floor. Hold this position for a moment, then continue your signing or speaking.
- Vertical Hands: Hold your non-dominant hand, palm facing down, vertically in front of your body, at approximately chest level. Using the index and middle fingers of your dominant hand, gently tap the base of your open palm once or twice. This indicates a pause before continuing.
- Lowered Hands: Lower your hands to around waist level, with the palms facing down. Pause for a moment before raising your hands back to their previous position or continuing with your signing.
Informal Ways to Say “Pause” in ASL
Informal pauses in ASL are commonly used in casual conversations, friendly discussions, or less formal settings. Here are a few ways to indicate a pause informally:
- Fingerspelling “PAUSE”: Fingerspell the word “PAUSE” using the ASL alphabet by forming the letters P-A-U-S-E with your dominant hand. Make sure to pause briefly after fingerspelling the word before continuing your signing or speaking.
- Hold Gesture: Simply raise your dominant hand, palm facing the side, to about shoulder level or slightly higher while keeping the other hand resting at your side. Hold this position for a moment to indicate a pause, then resume your signing.
- Freeze Gesture: Pause your movement and maintain a still posture for a moment or gently “freeze” in your current signing or speaking position. Hold this position to indicate a temporary pause, and then continue when ready.
Tips for Using Pauses in ASL
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when incorporating pauses into your ASL communication:
- Clear Intentions: Ensure your intention to pause is clear by using appropriate facial expressions, body language, and eye contact. This helps others understand that you desire a momentary break.
- Timing: The duration of a pause can vary depending on the context. Consider the situation and adjust the length of the pause accordingly.
- Contextual Cues: Consider using visual cues or phrases like “one moment,” “hold on,” or “just a second” in combination with the pause sign to enhance clarity.
- Receiver Awareness: Be attentive to the person or people you are communicating with, and observe if they may need a pause as well. Conversational pauses allow both parties to gather their thoughts and contribute effectively.
Examples of Using Pauses in ASL
Here are a few examples showcasing the use of pauses in different scenarios:
During a presentation, the speaker used a brief moment of palm-down open hands to indicate a pause before moving on to the next segment of their topic.
In a casual conversation, one person fingerspelled “PAUSE” after a long explanation, indicating the need for the listener to absorb the information before continuing further.
During a sign-to-voice interpretation, the interpreter used a slight freeze gesture to indicate a pause while transitioning between signing and speaking.
Remember, the context and your relationship with the person or people you are communicating with can influence the formality and choice of signaling a pause in ASL.
Regional Variations
While ASL generally follows a standard set of signs and gestures throughout the United States, there might be some regional variations. These variations primarily impact subtle nuances in the use of pauses and can vary from community to community. Expanding your ASL skills and familiarity with different signing communities can help you adapt to varying regional preferences.
However, it is important to note that the signs and gestures described in this guide are widely used and understood across most ASL communities.
Conclusion
Knowing how to indicate a pause in ASL allows for clear and effective communication, whether in formal or informal settings. By utilizing different signs and gestures, you can convey your need for a brief break or create appropriate pauses during conversations, presentations, or signing sessions. Remember to incorporate visual cues, adjust the duration of your pauses, and be attentive to those you are communicating with. With practice and awareness, you can master the art of signaling pauses in ASL, further enhancing your ASL fluency and communication skills.
