Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “What are we doing?” in sign language. Whether you are looking for formal or informal ways to express this question, we are here to provide you with several tips, examples, and even explore any regional variations that might exist. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expression for “What Are We Doing?”
When you want to ask this question in a more formal setting, such as during a business meeting or in a professional environment, you can use the following sign language phrase:
Sign: Start with both hands in a loose fist, palms down. Then, bring your hands up to chest level and open them, palms facing up and fingers extended. Finally, form a question mark shape with both hands by bringing your index finger toward your thumb and hold them at chest level.
Translation: “What are we doing?”
This formal sign language expression is clear, concise, and appropriate for situations where a more professional tone is required. Remember to maintain eye contact and use facial expressions to convey your intent effectively.
Informal Expression for “What Are We Doing?”
In informal settings, such as casual conversations or when talking with friends and family, you can use a slightly different sign for “What are we doing?”. Here’s how:
Sign: Start with both hands held up, fingers extended and palms facing you. Move your hands in a circular motion, one going clockwise and the other counterclockwise, as if gesturing the act of mixing or blending something together. While making this motion, raise your eyebrows slightly to convey a questioning expression.
Translation: “What are we doing?”
This informal sign is more relaxed and suitable for conversations among friends, peers, or in casual settings. It is important to ensure your facial expressions and body language align with an informal atmosphere to effectively convey your intended meaning.
Tips for Signing “What Are We Doing?”
Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind when signing “What are we doing?” in any setting:
- Maintain Good Eye Contact: Establishing eye contact while signing helps in building better connections and understanding.
- Facial Expressions Matter: Use facial expressions to convey the tone and intent of your question clearly.
- Keep Your Hands Clear: Ensure your hands and fingers are visible to the person you are signing with, avoiding any obstructions.
- Practice Fluency: Regular practice will improve the fluency and fluidity of your signing, making your message more easily understood.
Example Conversations
To further illustrate the usage of the sign language phrases, here are a couple of example conversations:
Conversation 1:
Person A: (Formal) “What are we doing?”
Person B: (Formal) “We are finalizing the project budget.”
Conversation 2:
Person A: (Informal) “What are we doing?”
Person B: (Informal) “Just hanging out and enjoying the day!”
By incorporating these sign language phrases into your conversations, you can effectively communicate and understand what activities or tasks are being discussed.
Regional Variations
Sign language may have variations depending on regions or countries. However, for the phrase “What are we doing?”, the signs we provided earlier are widely used and understood across different sign language communities. It is always beneficial to verify with local sign language resources or individuals if you are in a specific region to ensure accuracy.
Remember to appreciate the diversity present in sign language, as it emphasizes the richness and uniqueness of different communities worldwide.
Conclusion
You are now equipped with the knowledge of how to say “What are we doing?” in sign language, both in formal and informal settings. By utilizing the signs and phrases provided, along with the tips and examples, your communication skills in sign language will flourish. Remember to maintain proper eye contact, use facial expressions to express the appropriate tone, and practice fluency regularly. Enjoy connecting and engaging with others in sign language!
