Sign On: Basic Words in Sign Language
By Madhavi Pothukuchi
23 September, 2022
Today is International Sign Language Day, which celebrates and supports the culture of sign language. More than 70 million deaf, blind, and non-verbal people use sign language to communicate, yet, sign language doesn’t get the official recognition it deserves. In honour of the language, let’s learn some words in the Indian Sign Language (ISL).
Hello
Say hello with a soft, quick salute, not rigid like the military salutation.
Yes and No
Nod your head for ‘yes’ and shake your head sideways for ‘no’.
Sorry
Make a fist and rub it in small circles gently on your chest to apologise.
Good
Give a simple thumbs up to indicate ‘good’.
Understand
Say you understand by making a fist near your forehead and opening your index finger.
Thank You
Thank someone by keeping a straight palm on your lower lip and moving it away from your face, almost like blowing a kiss.
Goodbye
Bid goodbye with a simple wave.