Makaton is a unique sign and symbol language system used by individuals with communication difficulties, including those with speech impairments, learning disabilities, or hearing impairments. It is designed to support spoken language through the use of signs, symbols, and gestures. If you’re looking to learn how to say “What is your name?” in Makaton, this guide will help you understand both the formal and informal expressions, providing plenty of tips and examples along the way. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expression: “What is Your Name?”
When using Makaton in formal situations, such as meeting someone for the first time or in a professional setting, you can use the following signs and symbols to communicate “What is your name?”:
List of Signs and Symbols:
- Sign: To sign “What,” start with your dominant hand open, fingers together, and palm facing towards you. Touch the fingers of your dominant hand to your chin and move it forward slightly.
- Symbol: You can accompany the sign for “What” with the symbol for “What is your name?” to reinforce the message. The symbol consists of a question mark followed by the symbol for “name.”
- Sign: To sign “Name,” touch your index finger to your chin, then bring it forward and down in a small arc.
Example Usage:
Imagine you’re meeting someone for the first time at a business event. To ask for their name using Makaton, you can sign “What” and then point to yourself, indicating that you want to know their name. Use the symbols alongside the signs to enhance their understanding.
You: (Sign) “What is your name?” (Symbol: ?+name)
Person: (Sign) “My name is Lisa.” (Symbol: name+Lisa)
Remember, in formal situations, it’s important to maintain eye contact and use the appropriate signs and symbols clearly and confidently. By doing this, you create a welcoming environment for effective communication.
Informal Expression: “What’s Your Name?”
In more casual settings, such as when meeting new friends or engaging in informal conversations, you can adapt the question to a friendlier expression. The signs and symbols below demonstrate how to say “What’s your name?” informally in Makaton:
List of Signs and Symbols:
- Sign: To sign “What’s,” hold out your non-dominant hand, palm up, and rest your dominant hand on top, fingers closed. Keeping your non-dominant hand stationary, twist your dominant hand back and forth at the wrist a few times, simulating a twisting motion.
- Symbol: Use the symbol for “What is your name?” (question mark + name) to accompany the sign.
- Sign: To sign “Name,” touch your index finger to your chin, then bring it forward and down in a small arc.
Example Usage:
Suppose you’re at a casual gathering, meeting new people. To ask for their name using Makaton in an informal manner, you can use the following signs and symbols:
You: (Sign) “What’s your name?” (Symbol: ?+name)
Person: (Sign) “I’m Sarah.” (Symbol: name+Sarah)
Using Makaton in an informal way allows for a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Remember to sign with a smile and maintain a warm and open body language. This is especially important when conversing with individuals who may be more comfortable in informal settings.
Conclusion
Learning how to say “What is your name?” in Makaton provides a valuable tool for effective communication with individuals who rely on this sign and symbol language. Whether you’re communicating formally or informally, using the appropriate signs, symbols, and gestures creates a welcoming and inclusive environment. Remember to practice regularly and keep the examples above in mind to enhance your Makaton skills.
By embracing Makaton, you help bridge communication gaps, fostering understanding and empathy. So, go ahead and use your new knowledge to connect with others in a meaningful way! Happy signing!
