Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “send help” in sign language! Whether you find yourself in an emergency situation, working or socializing with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, or simply have a curiosity for learning new languages, this guide will provide you with the necessary knowledge to communicate the crucial message of “send help” effectively. We will cover both formal and informal ways to convey this message, focusing on the most widely used signs while including regional variations when necessary. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Way to Say “Send Help”
In formal sign language, such as American Sign Language (ASL), it’s essential to use the appropriate signs to convey your message. When communicating “send help” formally, follow these steps:
- Sign for Send: Extend your non-dominant hand in front of you at about shoulder height, palm facing down. Then, using your dominant hand, make a repeated motion of pushing forward and away from your body.
- Sign for Help: Form both hands into closed fists, with your thumbs tucked inside. Extend your arms slightly forward and upward while opening your fists, spreading your fingers wide.
By combining the sign for “send” with the sign for “help,” you can effectively convey your urgent message in formal sign language.
Informal Way to Say “Send Help”
Informal sign language can vary between regions and communities, so it’s important to adapt to the customs and signs prevalent in the group you are communicating with. Here is a commonly used informal sign for “send help” that can be understood in various sign languages:
- Sign for Help: Open your dominant hand with the palm facing up. Place the other hand on top, fingers spread wide, and then move both hands forward a few inches together.
This simplified sign for “send help” is often used in casual settings and can be easily understood by individuals familiar with sign language.
Regional Variations
While the signs for “send help” we’ve discussed so far are widely recognized in many sign languages, it’s worth noting that regional variations exist. If you are interacting with a specific deaf community or have the opportunity to learn from a local instructor, it’s beneficial to incorporate their preferred signs. To provide an example, here is a regional variation of the sign for “send help” in British Sign Language (BSL):
“Send Help” (BSL): Extend your dominant hand forward, palm facing down, while making a waving motion. Then, form both hands into closed fists, with your thumbs inside, and place them on your chest simultaneously.”
Remember to adapt and learn from the specific context and community you are communicating with to promote effective understanding and inclusivity.
Tips and Examples
Here are some valuable tips to keep in mind when using sign language to say “send help”:
- Clarity: Ensure your signs are clear and distinct. Pay attention to handshape, movement, and facial expressions to enhance your communication and make your message easily understood.
- Pacing: Allow for adequate time between signs to prevent confusion. Give the person you’re communicating with enough time to comprehend and respond to your message.
- Facial Expressions: Use facial expressions, as they play a crucial role in conveying emotions and adding context to your signs. Maintain a sense of urgency and concern while signing “send help.”
- Context: Consider the specific situation when signing “send help.” If you are in immediate danger or need emergency assistance, it’s important to express urgency appropriately.
Let’s see some examples of “send help” being signed:
- Example 1: A person falls while hiking and injures their leg. They sign to a fellow hiker: “SEND HELP” using the formal sign for “send” and “help.”
- Example 2: During a social gathering, someone starts experiencing severe chest pain. They quickly sign “SEND HELP” using the informal sign for “help.”
Remember, practice and exposure to sign language will help you become more proficient in conveying critical messages like “send help.”
Now armed with the knowledge of how to say “send help” in sign language, you have the ability to communicate effectively in emergency situations, connect with the deaf and hard of hearing community, and expand your language abilities. By embracing sign language, we foster inclusivity and bridge communication gaps. Happy signing!
