Greetings are an essential part of communication in any language, including American Sign Language (ASL). When interacting with someone, it’s common to inquire about them and their well-being. One way to do this is by asking “What about you?” In this guide, we’ll explore how to express this phrase in ASL, both formally and informally. We’ll also include some tips, examples, and regional variations if necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Way: “What about you?”
When using ASL in a formal setting, such as a professional environment or when meeting someone for the first time, you may want to adopt a more polished and respectful signing style. Here’s how you can ask “What about you?” formally in ASL:
Make a neutral facial expression and maintain eye contact throughout the conversation.
Begin with the sign for “YOU” by pointing your index finger towards the person you are addressing.
Next, sign “WHAT” by forming an open hand and bringing it towards your chin, then move it forward slightly.
To indicate “ABOUT,” hold your flat left hand horizontally, palm facing up. Then, with your right hand, make a “V” handshape and move it back and forth twice on your left hand.
Finally, raise your eyebrows slightly and tilt your head forward while signing “YOU” again.
Remember to sign each word smoothly and accurately, with the appropriate facial expressions and body language. Communicating formally in ASL shows respect and professionalism.
Informal Way: “What about you?”
In more casual settings, such as chatting with friends or acquaintances, a slightly different signing style can be used. Here’s how you can ask “What about you?” informally in ASL:
Relax your facial expressions and maintain a warm and friendly tone.
Start with the sign for “YOU” by pointing your index finger towards the person you are addressing.
Next, sign “WHAT” by forming an open hand and bringing it towards your chin, then move it forward slightly.
For “ABOUT,” use your right “A” handshape and move it back and forth twice across your chest.
Finish by raising your eyebrows slightly and tilting your head forward while signing “YOU” again.
When using the informal signing style, it’s important to be relaxed and to establish a sense of camaraderie with the person you’re conversing with. This creates a more comfortable and engaging interaction.
Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you master the phrase “What about you?” in ASL:
1. Facial Expressions
Facial expressions play a significant role in ASL to convey tone and meaning. When signing “What about you?” make sure your facial expressions align with the formality and context of the conversation. Remember, a neutral face is more appropriate in formal situations, while a relaxed and friendly expression suits informal settings.
2. Body Language
In ASL, body language helps convey emotions and adds depth to your signs. Your posture, head movements, and hand placement contribute to effective communication. Maintain good eye contact and use subtle head tilts or nods to enhance your signing.
3. Practice and Observation
Like any language, mastering ASL takes practice. Regularly engage in conversations with Deaf individuals or join ASL community groups to improve your signing skills. Observing native signers will also provide insights into regional variations and specific signing styles.
4. Cultural Sensitivity
Respect for Deaf culture and the ASL community is essential. Take the time to learn about the cultural norms, values, and history associated with ASL. Fostering cultural sensitivity will enable you to communicate more effectively and respectfully.
Example Conversations:
To further illustrate the proper use of “What about you?” in ASL, let’s consider a couple of sample conversations:
Formal Conversation:
Person A: Hello, nice to meet you. My name is Aria. What about you? (Asking “What about you?” in a formal manner)
Person B: Hi, Aria. I’m Brian. It’s great to meet you too. (Responding formally)
Informal Conversation:
Person A: Hey, what’s up? How’s your day going? What about you? (Asking “What about you?” in an informal manner)
Person B: Hey! My day’s been pretty good so far. Thanks for asking. And how about you? (Responding informally)
Remember to adapt your signing style based on the nature of the conversation and the relationship with the person you are talking to.
Regional Variations
ASL is a rich and diverse language, and regional variations can exist within different communities. While the formal and informal ways explained earlier are applicable in most regions, some localized differences may occur. It is beneficial to interact with individuals from different areas to gain exposure to regional variations and expand your signing repertoire.
Conclusion
Mastering the phrase “What about you?” in ASL allows you to engage in meaningful conversations and build connections. Whether you’re signing formally or informally, remember to use the appropriate facial expressions, body language, and cultural sensitivity. Practice regularly, observe native signers, and keep expanding your knowledge of ASL to continue improving your signing skills. Embrace the diversity of ASL while maintaining a warm and respectful tone in all your interactions.
