Thank you, or thanks in its simplest form, is a polite expression of appreciation that is often used in daily interactions. Although manners and etiquette vary by community, most people find that saying “thank you” is a simple way to express gratitude. Since it’s important to show respect and good manners while learning a new language, including American Sign Language (ASL), learning to sign thank you is a good idea. To get us started, a little linguistics. Words in two languages that have a common meaning, spelling, pronunciation, linguistic derivation, or origin are called cognates. Although all sign languages are unique, French Sign Language (FSL) had a significant impact on the indigenous sign language of the United States, resulting in ASL. Laurent Cle, a Frenchman, introduced FSL to the United States. Let’s start with English, because you’re reading it right now. Thank you in English is made up of two words: the verb “to thank” and the object “you.” In ASL, however, there is only one sign for thank you. The object “you” is already present in this symbol. This is due to the fact that English and ASL have different grammar and syntax. Thank you is signed one-handed in ASL (using your dominant hand). Often, when signing thank you, remember to smile so the other person knows you’re serious. In ASL grammar, facial expressions are essential and should be used in conjunction with appropriate signs. When signing a thank you note, there are a few options for emphasising your gratitude. One method is to sign thank you with both hands, which is often helpful when thanking several individuals or a large group at once. When you use two hands to express gratitude, you can say many thanks or thank you very much, which are both appropriate depending on the meaning and intonation. Another way to emphasise anything is to use italics. Thank you is written one-handed from the chin forward. If you start the sign under your chin before arcing outward, it will become f*** you, which is considered offensive by most people. Furthermore, the symbol for prostitute, or similar words, starts at your cheek, next to your chin, and moves outward. Finally, rather than starting from your chin, start from your lips before moving outward. Thank you responses are more akin to de nada in Spanish than to you’re welcome in English. In ASL, there are many ways to express gratitude. You should easily nod and smile, like you might in other languages. However, bear in mind that this is a more informal alternative that is more commonly used with friends and family. No issue, it was nothing, and all is fine are other ways to answer to thank you. Although the most popular expression of appreciation is thank you, the word appreciate has a similar meaning in English*. * The sign for appreciate is the same as the sign for enjoy in American Sign Language; the slight distinction is made in context and intonation. Though the sign appreciate isn’t as commonly used as thank you, you may want to use it or see those who do. Finally, when it comes to etiquette, please and thank you go hand in hand. To sign please, rub your dominant, flat hand on your chest in a clockwise circle with your thumb extended and palm facing in.
Hopefully, you’ve been following along so far, but it wouldn’t be fair if a monkey wrench wasn’t thrown in for good measure. It’s worth remembering that the sign for please and enjoy are the same. That’s right, some signers sign enjoy with one hand instead of two, making it look just like please. And we recently discovered that enjoy and appreciate are the same symbol, implying that the sign for pleasure is the same as the sign for pleasure. You’re able to start expressing your gratitude now that you know how to sign thank you in ASL. And now, some thanks from me to you: a sincere thank you, merci, danke, grazie, obrigada, cасиo, gracias, dank je, kiitos, mahalo, dzikuj Thank you for your interest in ASL. Ci, multumesc, and tack. Starting with your dominant hand’s fingers near your mouth, make the “thank you” symbol. It’s best if you have a “flat side.” Make a forward and downward motion with your hand in the direction of the person you’re thanking. Smile (so they know you’re serious). A single hand or both hands may be used to sign a thank you note. Gently place the fingertips of one or both hands on the mouth. The fingers on one or both hands are clasped together. The hand turns outwards, towards the person who is being thanked. Some people have already responded to questions about other sign languages… It’s similar to a thumbs up in Chinese Sign Language, except you bend your thumb forward twice at the upper knuckle. (It’s said to be derived from the image of someone bowing their head.) For starters, there are as many signed languages as there are spoken languages, so it all depends on the one you’re talking about. If I assume you’re talking about American Sign Language (ASL), you seem to be blowing a kiss from your chin… So, bring your fingertips to your chin, then sweep down a little while holding your palm facing up.