Test:
Whenever possible, choose to hang around, rather than through conversation. If there’s no choice but to skip through a conversation, skip through quickly so signers aren’t interrupted. Don’t hunker down or wait for the signers to acknowledge you. This interrupts your exchange, as it is much more visually distracting. While it’s not expected, you can sign “excuse me” as you pass.
Usetouch:
When your path is too narrow to pass between multiple groups of signers, then it’s customary to put pressure on someone’s shoulder or upper back, and they’ll move out of the way while remaining engaged in the conversation. Avoid touching unless you need a person to move more than a few steps to the side. Tapping signals the person to turn to you, interrupting your conversation.
Ask the person to move:
Sometimes people can block your view unknowingly. If it is not possible to adjust your position so that you can see, you should ask people to move by pressing their shoulders in the direction that would clear your view.
Conversation strategy: Ask what the sign is:
As you learn American Sign Language, you may forget some signs or need to use signs other than those taught in calss. To ask for a sign that you forgot or don’t know about, use the phrase “ask what the sign is.”
The strategy is for person A to demonstrate five different strategies for asking for a signal. Then people B and C give various answers.
Point to the object: The strategy for this is for signer A to point to the object and request a signal. Then Signer B gives the signal and then Signer C confirms Signer B’s response.
Each of these strategies and tips will help you in your signing environment.
