Learning sign language can be a wonderful way to communicate with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Whether you’re communicating with a friend, colleague, or a stranger, it’s important to understand how to say “plus you” or “and you” in sign language. In this guide, we will cover the formal and informal ways of expressing this phrase in sign language, without delving into regional variations unless necessary. We’ll provide you with tips, examples, and various sign variations to help you improve your sign language skills and promote inclusivity.
Table of Contents
Formal Way: “Plus You”
When it comes to formal sign language, accuracy and clarity are key. To express “plus you” formally, follow these steps:
Fingerspelling
One way to indicate the phrase “plus you” is through fingerspelling. Here’s how:
- Hold your non-dominant hand in a neutral position in front of your body.
- With your dominant hand, start fingerspelling the word “plus.”
- After completing the fingerspelling for “plus,” transition smoothly to fingerspelling the word “you.”
- Make sure your hand movements are clear and distinct to ensure proper understanding.
Sign Variation: Addition Gesture
Another formal option is to use an addition gesture followed by fingerspelling the word “you.” Here’s how:
- Extend both arms in front of your body.
- Imagine physically adding an element to the existing group represented by your non-dominant hand.
- Once the addition gesture is complete, use your dominant hand to fingerspell the word “you” while still keeping both arms extended.
Tip: When using the addition gesture, make sure your non-dominant hand clearly represents the group or concept that “you” is being added to.
Informal Way: “And You”
When having informal conversations, you can use a slightly more relaxed approach to communicating “and you” in sign language. This informal version is often used in casual settings among friends and peers. Here’s how to express it:
And Gesture
Using the “and” gesture is a common way to convey “and you” in a more informal manner. Follow these steps:
- Hold both hands in front of your body with palms facing downwards.
- Move your hands back and forth, intertwining your fingers as if connecting two entities.
- While maintaining the “and” gesture, motion with your dominant hand to fingerspell the word “you.”
Sign Variation: Informal Addition Gesture
If you prefer a simpler gesture, an informal addition gesture is also an option. Here’s how:
- Extend your dominant hand in front of your body.
- Make a casual sweeping motion towards your body to indicate “and.”
- After the sweeping motion, proceed to fingerspell the word “you” with your dominant hand.
Variations Across Regions
Sign language may have some regional variations when it comes to expressing “plus you” or “and you.” It’s essential to be aware of these variations, especially if you’re in a specific region. Check with local sign language communities, classes, or online resources to learn any specific regional variations applicable to your area.
Examples
Let’s look at a few examples to solidify your understanding of how to say “plus you” or “and you” in sign language.
Formal Examples:
Example 1: In a formal setting, you can comfortably fingerspell “P-L-U-S” and “Y-O-U” to express “plus you.”
Example 2: Utilize the addition gesture by extending both arms, simulating addition, and then fingerspelling “Y-O-U” to represent “plus you.”
Informal Examples:
Example 1: Among friends, you can use the “and” gesture, moving your intertwining hands back and forth, followed by fingerspelling “Y-O-U” casually.
Example 2: In a more relaxed setting, simply extend your dominant hand, make a sweeping motion towards your body indicating “and,” and proceed to fingerspell “Y-O-U.”
Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you practice, the more comfortable and accurate you’ll become in expressing various phrases in sign language, including “plus you” or “and you.”
Conclusion
Sign language provides a powerful means of communication, promoting inclusivity and understanding among diverse communities. In this guide, we explored how to say “plus you” in formal and informal sign language, focusing on clear examples, tips, and variations. Remember to practice regularly to improve your sign language skills and strive for inclusivity by embracing different signing styles and regional variations. With a warm and respectful approach, you can enhance communication with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, fostering stronger connections and building a more inclusive society.
