How to Say "Help Me" in American Sign Language

American Sign Language (ASL) is the standard sign language used by the deaf community in the U.S. Developed in the 19th century, ASL is a means for the deaf to communicate. ASL is not a replication of English, and it is vastly different than British Sign Language. ASL has a distinct vocabulary, grammar and sentence structure. To sign the phrase "help me" in American Sign Language, use these steps.

Instructions

1. Make the "help" sign. Place the right fist on top of the flat left palm. Elbows should be slightly out. Raise the hands together. This is similar to a gesture of assisting something upward.

2. Combine with movement. ASL uses the direction of the movement to determine the subject of the phrase. In this phrase, start the movement toward the person being addressed. As the help sign is made, move in an arc toward the signer, or inwards. This portrays the meaning of "you help me" without having to sign each word.

3. Add facial expression. American Sign Language is a visual language, and facial expressions add greatly to the meaning. Raised eyebrows, for example, usually convey a question, such as "You help me?" A harsh or frowning expression means importance or urgency, as in "Help me!"

4. Rehearse the sign. The sign should be one fluid motion, made briskly and clearly.

5. Learn to fingerspell. American Sign Language has an entire alphabet using finger signs. By learning the entire alphabet, an individual can sign any word, as in this case "Help!"

Tips & Warnings

• Signing should be comfortable. Hold the hands and arms where they are most comfortable; in older people, this may be lower than for younger people.

• Local colleges, relief organization and schools often offer sign language classes. Consider taking a class to learn more about American Sign Language.