Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “video games” in sign language! Whether you’re interested in learning the formal or informal way, we’ve got you covered. While some regional variations exist, we’ll primarily focus on the globally understood sign language. Throughout this guide, we’ll provide tips, examples, explanations, and even a few regional variations when necessary. So let’s dive in and explore the exciting world of signing “video games”!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Way to Sign “Video Games”
When signing “video games” formally, you typically use two signs combined: “video” and “games”. Let’s break down each sign:
- Video: To sign “video”, bring both hands up to near your chest, palms facing inward. Your fingers should be straight and together, representing a screen. Then, extend your fingers while slowly moving both hands outward, mimicking the motion of a video playing.
- Games: For “games”, sign the letter “G” with both hands by forming a fist and extending your thumb and pinky finger. Cross your arms over each other, with your right hand on top, and shake them back and forth slightly.
Tip: Remember to maintain a smooth and fluid motion when combining the signs for “video” and “games”.
Once you’ve mastered these signs, put them together by signing “video games”. Start with the sign for “video” and right after, transition into the sign for “games”. This combination creates the formal way of signing “video games” in most sign languages.
2. Informal Way to Say “Video Games”
In informal signing, you can sometimes use a single sign to represent “video games”. While these variations might not be as globally recognized, they are still widely used in specific communities. Here are a few examples:
- Controller: Take your dominant hand and form the shape of a controller by extending your thumb and pinky finger while keeping your other fingers relaxed. Hold your hand as if you were gripping a game controller. Move your hand slightly back and forth, mimicking the action of playing a game.
- Play + Games: Combine the sign for “play” with “games” to represent video games informally. Sign “play” by extending the fingers of both hands, palms facing each other, and tapping the fingertips together a couple of times. Then, transition smoothly into the sign for “games” as described in the formal way.
Keep in mind that these informal signs might not be universally understood, so it’s essential to consider the context and the signing community you are communicating with to ensure effective communication.
3. Regional Variations
While sign languages tend to have common signs, regional variations do exist. Here are a few regional variations on how to say “video games” in sign language:
- American Sign Language (ASL): In ASL, the formal way to sign “video games” closely aligns with the globally understood signs mentioned earlier. However, ASL users might also use the informal sign for “play” combined with “games”, similar to the informal variation mentioned above.
- British Sign Language (BSL): In BSL, you can sign “video games” informally by using the sign for “play” combined with the sign for “games”, just like in ASL. Additionally, some British signers might use the sign for “technology” or “console” to represent “video games”.
It’s important to note that these regional variations might not be understood universally, so it’s always wise to be mindful of the signing community you encounter and adapt accordingly.
Practice Examples
Let’s put our knowledge into practice with a few examples of signing “video games” in different scenarios:
- Casual conversation: In a casual setting, you can use the informal sign for “controller” by mimicking the action of playing a game. For example, “I love video games!” can be signed by saying: “I LOVE [show controller sign]”.
- Formal presentation: When giving a formal presentation or in a formal setting, take the time to sign more precisely. Use the formal sign for “video games” by combining the sign for “video” with the sign for “games”. For instance, “The history of video games” can be signed as: “HISTORY [show video sign + show games sign]”.
- Regional adaptation: If you’re immersed in the American Deaf community and want to communicate informally, you can use the combination of the sign for “play” and “games”. For instance, “Let’s play video games!” can be signed as: “LET’S PLAY [show play sign + show games sign]”.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of our comprehensive guide on how to say “video games” in sign language. Now you’re equipped with the formal and informal ways to effectively communicate this concept. Remember to adapt your signs based on the signing community you encounter, and always strive for clear and respectful communication. Happy signing and have fun exploring the world of video games in sign language!
