How to Say Them in Sign Language

In sign language, expressing the word “them” is an important aspect of communication. Whether you want to refer to a group of people, objects, or ideas, understanding how to convey “them” correctly will help enhance your signing skills. In this guide, we will explore both the formal and informal ways of saying “them” in sign language, with tips, examples, and a focus on maintaining a warm tone throughout.

Formal Ways of Saying “Them” in Sign Language

When using sign language in formal contexts, such as official settings or while interacting with individuals you do not know well, it is crucial to follow proper sign language etiquette. Here are some ways to express “them” formally:

1. Pointing: One of the simplest and most common ways to indicate “them” is by using a pointing motion. Extend your index finger and direct it towards the group, objects, or individuals in question. Maintain a gentle and relaxed hand shape while pointing, as it is more polite in formal settings.
2. Indexing: Another formal approach is indexing, where you use the index finger to represent the noun or individuals you are referring to. This technique helps avoid repetitive pointing and is especially useful when talking about a group of people or objects. To index “them,” extend your index finger and move it slightly to the side to indicate the location of that particular group.
3. Role Shifting: In certain formal situations, you may use role shifting to convey “them.” Role shifting involves adopting different physical positions or perspectives to represent the various individuals or objects in question. For example, you can use your body posture or facial expression to denote a group or indicate a different person within that group.

Example: Imagine you are participating in a formal event and want to express, “They enjoyed the performance.” You can sign the sentence while using indexing to indicate the group you are referring to.

“THEY” (indexing gesture) “ENJOYED” (appropriate sign for enjoy) “PERFORMANCE” (appropriate sign for performance).

Informal Ways of Saying “Them” in Sign Language

In more casual or friendly environments, you can use informal ways to express “them” in sign language. These methods allow for a more relaxed and expressive form of communication. Here are a few informal approaches:

1. Directional Verb: Employ a directional verb to indicate the group or individuals you want to refer to. Directional verbs are signs that incorporate both the action and the direction, making them ideal for expressing “them” in an informal context. These signs provide more clarity and context to your conversation.
2. Classifiers: Another informal technique is using classifiers, which are handshapes that represent a specific category or group of objects. Classifiers allow you to describe the characteristics or movements of the group you are referring to more vividly.
3. Role Shifting: Just like in formal settings, role shifting can also be used informally. Here, however, you have more freedom to adjust your body language, facial expressions, or mannerisms to represent individuals or groups in a relaxed and playful manner.

Example: Let’s say you’re chatting with a friend about a party you both attended, and you want to say, “They danced all night.” In an informal context, you can use a directional verb to indicate the group and add some descriptive facial expressions to enhance the meaning.

“THEY” (point to the group with a gentle nod) “DANCED” (using an appropriate directional verb for dancing) “ALL NIGHT” (convey the duration with facial expressions and signs).

Regional Variations of Saying “Them” in Sign Language

While most sign language concepts are widely understood across different regions, some variations may exist. These variations could be influenced by regional accents, dialects, or cultural differences. However, it is essential to remember that sign language aims for universal comprehension. Here are a few notable regional variations:

• American Sign Language (ASL): In ASL, the formal way to say “them” commonly involves pointing with a slightly bent index finger. Indexing and role shifting are also frequently used, just like in the general formal sign language context.
• British Sign Language (BSL): In BSL, pointing is the primary method for expressing “them” formally. The index finger is often fully extended and more rigid compared to ASL. Indexing can also be used with the palm facing down.
• Australian Sign Language (Auslan): Auslan utilizes pointing, indexing, and role shifting similarly to both ASL and BSL. However, regional variations may exist concerning the specific handshapes or signs used for these techniques.

Example: Let’s consider the sentence, “I met them yesterday,” and how it might vary in different sign languages. In ASL, you would point with a bent index finger to indicate “them.” In BSL, you would employ a straight index finger pointing downwards, while in Auslan, the specific handshape might vary based on region.