How to Say “What Are You Doing?” in Sign Language

Sign language is a unique and expressive way to communicate with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. If you want to know how to ask the question “What are you doing?” in sign language, this comprehensive guide will provide you with formal and informal variations, along with some helpful tips and examples. While regional variations exist, we will focus on the widely used American Sign Language (ASL) in this guide.

Formal Way: ASL for “What are you doing?”

In formal settings, such as interviews, presentations, or business meetings, it is important to use the appropriate signs and etiquette. To ask the question “What are you doing?” in American Sign Language, follow these steps:

1. Begin with a polite greeting. You can sign “hello” by extending your fingers and waving your hand in a forward motion close to your forehead-level. Maintain eye contact and smile.
2. Use the sign for “what.” Form a loose fist with your dominant hand, extending your index finger upwards. Touch your forehead with the sign, just above your eyebrow.
3. Use the sign for “you.” Point your index finger directly towards the person you are addressing, slightly bending it.
4. Perform the sign for “doing.” Extend your dominant hand, palm facing upwards, in a relaxed manner. Move your hand slightly back and forth in front of your body, indicating an action is being performed.
5. Finish by raising your eyebrows slightly and tilting your head forward, displaying curiosity in a respectful way.

Remember to sign each word in the given order, combining them smoothly for fluid communication. Pay attention to facial expressions and body language, as they are crucial for expressing emotions and meaning in sign language.

Informal Way: ASL Casual Variation

In informal situations, such as conversations with friends, family, or peers, you might adapt the signs to be more relaxed and casual. To ask “What are you doing?” in a casual way, incorporate the following variations:

• Start with an informal greeting like a simple wave or nod, accompanied by a friendly smile.
• Use the sign for “what” as described earlier, pointing towards your forehead. However, you can make the movement more relaxed, emphasizing curiosity rather than formality.
• For “you,” instead of pointing directly, you can casually point with your thumb, keeping it more relaxed and less rigid.
• Use the same sign for “doing” as in the formal variation, but with a slightly more relaxed movement.
• Maintain a laid-back facial expression and body language to match the informal tone.

Remember that the level of formality should always be determined by the context and the relationship you have with the person you are communicating with. Adapt your signs and gestures accordingly to create a comfortable atmosphere.

Tips for Effective Communication in Sign Language

Mastering sign language requires practice, patience, and understanding. Here are some general tips to enhance your sign language skills and communication:

1. Practice consistently: Regular practice is crucial for becoming fluent in sign language. Familiarize yourself with the signs, and practice in front of a mirror to improve your accuracy and speed.
2. Facial expressions and body language: Pay attention to your facial expressions and body movements. They provide essential context and convey emotions in sign language, adding depth to your communication.
3. Research regional variations: Although this guide focuses on ASL, remember that sign languages may have regional variations. If interacting with people from different regions, consider learning specific signs or gestures used in their sign language.
4. Be patient and respectful: When communicating with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, remember to be patient and respectful. Give them time to understand or respond, and always maintain eye contact to show your genuine interest in the conversation.
5. Seek immersion opportunities: Engage with the deaf community or find sign language classes to immerse yourself in the language and culture. Learning from native signers helps you better understand the nuances and subtleties of sign language.

Communication is not just about understanding words, but also about interpreting emotions and intentions. Sign language provides a beautiful and expressive way to connect with individuals who communicate through visual cues.

By following these tips and practicing regularly, you will improve your sign language skills and be able to confidently ask questions like “What are you doing?” in formal and informal settings. Remember to adapt your signs to the context and always show respect and empathy when communicating with others. Happy signing!