Sign language is a fascinating and expressive way to communicate. Whether you are learning sign language for personal reasons or to communicate with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing, knowing how to say “What about you?” can be a valuable addition to your signing skills. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to express this question in sign language. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Way: “What About You?”
When asking “What about you?” in a more formal setting, such as during a formal conversation or when meeting someone for the first time, you can use the following sign language phrase:
Step 1: Start with your dominant hand in a relaxed “H” shape.
Step 2: Touch your middle finger to your chin and then flick it slightly outward.
Step 3: While flicking your middle finger outward, tilt your wrist slightly away from your body.
Remember to maintain a polite and respectful demeanor when using this formal sign.
Informal Way: “What About You?”
In more casual or informal situations, such as when chatting with friends or acquaintances, you can use a slightly different sign for asking “What about you?”. Here’s how:
Step 1: Begin by placing the index finger of your dominant hand on your chest.
Step 2: Move your finger outwards and slightly upwards in a small arc.
This informal sign is often used among friends and in casual conversations where a more relaxed tone is appropriate.
Examples and Tips:
Example 1:
Imagine you are having a friendly conversation in sign language and want to ask “What about you?” to your conversation partner. You can sign the informal variation as mentioned in the previous section. Here’s an example dialogue:
You: Hi! How was your day?
Friend: It was great! I had a productive day at work. What about you?
You: Mine was good too. I enjoyed my day off. Thanks for asking!
Example 2:
Suppose you are attending a formal event where you meet new people, including individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. You want to show your interest by asking “What about you?” formally. Here’s an example interaction:
You: (Using formal sign) Nice to meet you. How do you like this event so far?
Stranger: (Using formal sign) Thank you! It’s my first time attending, and I’m enjoying it. What about you?
You: (Using formal sign) I’m glad you’re enjoying it. This is my second time attending, and I always have a great experience here.
Tips:
- Always maintain eye contact and give the person you are signing with your full attention.
- Use facial expressions and body language to convey your interest and engagement in the conversation.
- Practice fingerspelling to enhance your overall sign language skills. It will help with spelling names, places, or unfamiliar words.
- If you encounter individuals from different regions who use slight variations in signing “What about you?”, embrace the diversity and adapt accordingly. Respect and acceptance of regional variations are essential.
- Consider participating in local sign language classes or online tutorials to continuously improve your signing abilities.
Remember, sign language is not just about the movements; it is about connection, expression, and understanding. So, be patient, be kind, and most importantly, enjoy the journey of learning sign language!
