American Sign Language (ASL) is a beautiful and expressive visual language used by the Deaf and hard of hearing community in the United States. If you’re looking to learn how to say “wait” in ASL, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to convey the concept of “wait” using ASL. While regional variations exist, we will focus on the commonly used signs. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expression: Sign Language for “Wait”
In formal situations, such as in professional settings or when speaking with someone you are not familiar with, it is important to use appropriate and respected signs. To express “wait” formally in ASL, follow these steps:
1. Open Palm Gesture
Start by extending your dominant hand, palm facing down, and use all fingers to fan out slightly. This gesture represents a clear instruction to stop or hold on momentarily.
2. Firm Eye Contact
While making the open palm gesture, ensure you maintain direct eye contact with the person you are communicating with. This signifies that you expect their full attention and compliance with your request.
3. Facial Expression
To add emphasis to your sign, complement the open palm gesture and eye contact with a serious yet neutral facial expression. This conveys your intention to convey the importance and urgency of waiting.
Remember, in formal situations, it is crucial to maintain your composure and use appropriate signs to express your message effectively.
Informal Expression: Sign Language for “Wait”
In informal settings, such as casual conversations with friends or family, you can use a more relaxed sign to express “wait.” Here’s how:
1. Bent Hand Gesture
Begin by forming a loose fist with your dominant hand, keeping your thumb on the outside of the fist. Then, bend your wrist slightly back towards your body, creating a small opening between your thumb and index finger. This gesture indicates a request for the person to pause or hold on.
2. Eye Contact (Optional)
Unlike in formal situations, direct eye contact is not always necessary in informal scenarios. However, maintaining general engagement with the person you are communicating with is still important to ensure effective communication.
3. Relaxed Facial Expression
When using the informal sign for “wait,” your facial expression can be more relaxed and natural. However, make sure your expression aligns with the overall tone of the conversation or situation.
Examples:
Formal:
- At a business meeting, you can use the formal sign for “wait” before addressing a question or concern. This gesture conveys professionalism and respect for the speaker.
- While in a formal interview, if the interviewer interrupts you, you can use the formal sign to indicate your willingness to wait until they’ve finished speaking.
Informal:
- When you are discussing weekend plans with friends and need a moment to think, the informal sign for “wait” can be used to indicate that you need a short pause.
- If someone is talking excitedly about their day and you need them to wait a moment, the informal sign can be used to politely request their attention.
Regional Variations
ASL has some regional variations, where signs may differ from one geographic area to another. However, the signs for “wait” mentioned above are widely understood and used throughout the United States. However, if you are specifically learning ASL for a particular region, it can be helpful to explore any local variations to improve your ability to communicate effectively with people from that area.
Conclusion
Learning how to say “wait” in American Sign Language is an important skill to possess, as it allows you to effectively communicate your need for someone to pause or hold on. Whether using the formal or informal sign, remember to consider the context and adjust your expressions accordingly. By practicing these signs, you are taking a significant step towards inclusive communication and strengthening connections within the Deaf and hard of hearing community.
