Sign language is a beautiful and expressive way of communication for individuals with hearing disabilities. Numbers, being an essential part of everyday conversation, are commonly used in sign language to convey numerical information. In this guide, we will explore how to say numbers in sign language, both formally and informally, using tips, examples, and even some regional variations.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Numbers in Sign Language
In formal sign language, it’s important to accurately represent each number. Here are some tips and examples:
Tip 1: Use clear hand shapes and movements.
When signing numbers, ensure your hand shapes are precise and distinguishable. Practice the following hand shapes for numbers:
- 0: Hold all fingers closed with your palm facing outward.
- 1: Extend your index finger upward.
- 2: Extend your index and middle fingers upward.
- 3: Extend your index, middle, and ring fingers upward.
- 4: Extend all fingers except your thumb upward.
- 5: Keep your thumb extended and touch it to your palm with all other fingers extended.
- 6: Extend your pinky finger and thumb while keeping other fingers closed.
- 7: Extend your pinky and ring finger, and tuck your other fingers in.
- 8: Extend your pinky, ring, and middle fingers, and tuck your index finger in.
- 9: Extend all fingers except your thumb and index finger.
- 10: Make a closed fist, and tap your thumb against your chest.
Now, let’s learn how to sign numbers from 11 to 20:
- 11: Combine the sign for 10 and 1 sequentially.
- 12: Combine the sign for 10 and 2 sequentially.
- 13: Combine the sign for 10 and 3 sequentially.
- 14: Combine the sign for 10 and 4 sequentially.
- 15: Combine the sign for 10 and 5 sequentially.
- 16: Combine the sign for 10 and 6 sequentially.
- 17: Combine the sign for 10 and 7 sequentially.
- 18: Combine the sign for 10 and 8 sequentially.
- 19: Combine the sign for 10 and 9 sequentially.
- 20: Point to your open palm with your pinky finger.
Informal Ways to Say Numbers in Sign Language
Informal sign language often involves shortcuts and simplified gestures while maintaining clear communication. Here are some tips and examples:
Tip 2: Utilize gestures that convey the essence of the number.
Informal sign language allows for creativity in expressing numbers with less formal hand shapes. For example:
- 10: Make an “X” shape with your index fingers crossed.
- 15: Hold your hand open and place it perpendicular to the ground, representing a “stop” sign.
- 20: Place your hands together with your palms facing inward, as if clapping but with no contact.
Remember, while informal sign language offers flexibility, it’s essential to ensure your gestures are understood by the person you are communicating with.
Regional Variations in Sign Language Numbers
Sign language can have regional variations, just like spoken languages. Here are a few examples:
Tip 3: Be aware of regional differences if communicating with individuals from different areas.
In American Sign Language (ASL), numbers are signed by using specific hand shapes shown earlier. However, in British Sign Language (BSL), some numbers have different gestures. For instance:
- 3: Use an “open hand” gesture with all fingers extended.
- 4: Touch your thumb to your index finger while keeping other fingers extended.
If communicating across regions, it’s vital to learn specific variations to ensure effective sign language communication.
Remember, practice is key to becoming proficient in sign language. Take your time to learn and understand the essential hand shapes, gestures, and variations. With patience, you will be able to communicate numbers fluently and confidently in sign language.
Now that you have a comprehensive guide on how to say numbers in sign language, remember to embrace inclusivity and communicate with empathy when interacting with individuals who use sign language as their primary means of communication.
