Quick Tips to Help Communicate in Sign Language
by Some quick tips to think about when you are trying to communicate in sign language or makaton.
Light
Make sure there is enough light or you are preventing people from communicating. Trying to sign in low light is like trying to talk over a crowd.
Clothes
It may sound strange, but consider the colour clothes you wear. If you are very pale and wear a neutral coloured top, you may find that your hands are not as clear to see. Go for a contrast to make things easier.
Lip reading
Some people who communicate through sign language will also lip read. If this is the case, speak normally. Please do not try to speak slowly as it just confuses the issue. It is easier to work out a missed syllable using logic than to try and interpret strange sounds. Eg “would you like a cu of tea” is far easier to understand than “wwwwwwwwwwwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeerddddddddddddd yerrrroooooooo lhyyyyyyyyke ahhhhyyyyyyy ceeeeruhp oooooov teeeeeeeeeeeee”
Give it a try!
Don’t be afraid to make a mistake. You are, after all, learning a new language. People will be understanding. If all else fails, you can try some miming or keep a pad and pen to hand.
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