Welcome to our guide on how to say “what did you say” in sign language! Sign language is a beautiful and powerful way of communication used by the deaf and hard of hearing community. It’s important to remember that sign language varies regionally, so the signs we will discuss are based on American Sign Language (ASL) unless otherwise specified. Let’s dive in and explore both formal and informal ways to convey this question in sign language, along with tips, examples, and regional variations where applicable.
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Formal Way to Say “What Did You Say?”
When engaging in a formal conversation or discussing a topic of significance, you might prefer a more formal way to say “What did you say?”. Here’s how you can convey the question politely in sign language:
Sign: Hold your dominant hand near your ear with your palm facing towards the side. Extend your index finger upwards and tilt your head slightly forward, mimicking the act of listening.
Meaning: This sign indicates that you didn’t hear or understand what was just said and politely asks the person to repeat or clarify.
Example Usage: During an important business meeting, you can use this sign to request clarification without interrupting the flow of conversation.
Informal Way to Say “What Did You Say?”
In more casual and everyday situations, you may want a less formal way to ask “What did you say?” This variation portrays a relaxed atmosphere while maintaining clarity. Here’s an informal sign for this question:
Sign: Place your open hand, palm facing upwards, near your chin. Move your hand forward a short distance, as if gently pushing away an invisible something.
Meaning: This sign suggests a laid-back and friendly approach, indicating that you missed what someone said and you’d like them to repeat it or speak more clearly.
Example Usage: When chatting with friends or family members, you can casually use this sign to show your interest in what they just said.
Tips for Conversing in Sign Language
Whether you opt for the formal or informal approach to asking “What did you say?” in sign language, here are some general tips to enhance your signing skills:
1. Maintain Eye Contact
Keeping eye contact with the person you are communicating with helps build a stronger connection and ensures clear communication.
2. Practice Fingerspelling
Fingerspelling is an essential part of ASL. Take time to practice and familiarize yourself with the alphabet to improve your ability to understand and convey words that don’t have assigned signs.
3. Pay Attention to Facial Expressions
Facial expressions play a crucial role in sign language. Inquire about raising the eyebrows or narrowing the eyes to show surprise, confusion, or other emotions appropriately.
4. Be Mindful of Sign Speed
Ensure your signs are clear and deliberate, without rushing or being overly slow. Maintain a comfortable pace, ensuring your signs are easily understandable.
5. Practice Active Listening
Listening actively involves paying close attention to the speaker’s signs, facial expressions, and body language to better understand the intended message.
Regional Variations
Sign languages have regional variations, so it’s essential to consider them for effective communication. While the signs described above are based on ASL, it’s worth noting some regional variations:
British Sign Language (BSL)
In BSL, the formal sign for “What did you say?” involves rolling one hand into a loose fist, resting it at the side of the mouth, and gently pushing it outward. BSL also has an informal variation where you tap your temple with an open hand twice, indicating a request for repetition.
Australian Sign Language (Auslan)
Auslan has an informal sign for “What did you say?” that involves opening and closing the hand near the ear. Additionally, individuals may use the formal sign similar to the one described for ASL.
International Sign (IS)
International Sign is a sign language used for international communication among the deaf community. For “What did you say?”, IS primarily adopts signs from various sign languages, including ASL and BSL. The specific sign variation used often depends on the region the signer is from.
Remember, while these regional variations exist, it’s best to default to ASL as a common framework and adjust accordingly based on community or individual preferences.
With practice and dedication, you can master sign language and effectively communicate with the deaf and hard of hearing. Whether you use a formal or informal approach, ensure your signs are clear, and always maintain a warm and respectful tone. Happy signing!
