Sign language is a unique and beautiful way to communicate without relying on spoken words. Whether you’re learning sign language for personal or professional reasons, it’s important to expand your vocabulary. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to express the word “totally” in sign language, covering both formal and informal ways, as well as some regional variations. Let’s get started!
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Formal Ways to Say “Totally” in Sign Language
When it comes to formal sign language, there are a few common signs used to convey the meaning of “totally.” Here are a few examples:
- Both hands held out in front of you with palms facing up. Move your hands in a circular motion, making sure to keep your palms facing up throughout the gesture. This sign indicates complete agreement or validation.
- Extend your dominant hand forward and use your thumb to brush against your chin in a downward motion. This sign symbolizes complete understanding or full acceptance, similar to saying “I understand” or “I agree.”
- Place your dominant hand on your chest, palm facing inwards, and move it in a circular motion a couple of times. This sign represents total involvement or complete commitment.
These signs can be used in formal settings when you want to express complete agreement, understanding, or commitment in a respectful manner. Remember to maintain eye contact and appropriate facial expressions to convey your intentions clearly.
Informal Ways to Say “Totally” in Sign Language
The sign language used in informal settings often incorporates gestures that are more relaxed and less standardized. Here are a few informal ways to say “totally” in sign language:
- Create a loose clenched fist with your dominant hand and bring it up towards your mouth. While doing this, open and close your hand a couple of times. This gesture signifies complete certainty or wholehearted agreement.
- Raise your eyebrows and slightly tilt your head while nodding vigorously. This non-manual signal, combined with a confident facial expression, conveys absolute agreement or enthusiastic approval in an informal context.
- Extend both of your arms forward, palms facing down, and make a swift downward motion with your hands simultaneously. This sign represents a strong affirmation or complete endorsement, as if saying “I’m all in!”
Informal sign language often embraces more individuality and can vary among different social groups or regions. These informal signs are commonly used in casual conversations or friendly interactions among people familiar with each other.
Regional Variations in Sign Language
While sign language is a universal mode of communication, there can be slight variations in signs across different regions or even between different sign language systems. Here are a few regional variations for expressing “totally” in sign language:
American Sign Language (ASL): Hold both of your closed hands in front of you, thumbs facing upwards, and shake them back and forth. This sign denotes complete agreement or a resounding “yes.”
British Sign Language (BSL): Stretch both arms out, palms facing down, and move them downwards in a wavy motion. This sign represents total approval or wholehearted endorsement.
Australian Sign Language (Auslan): Place both hands on your chest, palms facing downwards, and then move them upwards and outwards in a sweeping motion. This sign signifies complete understanding or full immersion.
Remember that sign language is fluid and can evolve within specific communities or regions. It’s always best to learn from native signers or experienced instructors who can provide insights into regional variations.
Tips for Learning Sign Language
Here are a few useful tips to help you in your sign language learning journey:
- Immerse Yourself: Regularly practice sign language by immersing yourself in deaf culture and interacting with native signers. This will help you gain fluency and understanding of the language.
- Practice Facial Expressions: Sign language incorporates facial expressions that enhance communication. Pay attention to facial cues and practice conveying emotions effectively.
- Use Online Resources: Take advantage of online tutorials, videos, and forums that provide valuable learning materials and opportunities to engage with the signing community.
- Join Sign Language Classes: Enroll in sign language classes to learn from experienced instructors who can guide you through the learning process and provide feedback.
Remember, learning sign language requires patience, practice, and a genuine interest in the language and culture. Embrace the beauty of sign language, and enjoy the journey as you expand your vocabulary and become a more effective communicator.
In conclusion, expressing the word “totally” in sign language can be done formally or informally using various signs. Both formal and informal signs have distinct meanings and serve different contexts. Additionally, be aware of regional variations to fully appreciate the diversity within sign language. Remember to practice sign language regularly, use online resources, and engage with the deaf community to enhance your learning. Happy signing!
