When you start learning ASL and begin having conversations, it’s common to encounter moments where your mind hits a roadblock. Sometimes, the signs you need seem to vanish into thin air. We’ve all experienced it – in the middle of a conversation, ready to express a thought with our hands, only to suddenly forget a key sign and then struggle to remember what we were discussing.
Imagine this scenario: you’re engaged in a lively ASL exchange, hands and facial expressions conveying your thoughts with precision. Then, out of nowhere, you’re stumped by a sign you know you’ve learned before. Your conversation veers off track, and then you find yourself grappling to remember what the story was.
What makes sign language unique also presents unique challenges. ASL relies heavily on visual memory, which means recalling specific signs on demand can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack while telling a story.
But fear not – here are a few tips to navigate those memory blips like a pro:
1. Take a Deep Breath: When you encounter a memory lapse, take a moment to breathe and relax. Stress can make it harder to recall signs.
2. Use Gestures or Fingerspelling: If you can’t remember a sign, use gestures or fingerspelling as placeholders while you work to retrieve the correct sign.
3. Engage in Contextual Guessing: Sometimes, the context of the conversation can jog your memory. Use surrounding signs or topics to guide your recall.
4. Seek Help if Needed: Don’t hesitate to ask your conversation partner for assistance. Deaf individuals are often supportive and understanding of learners.
5. Embrace the Imperfection: Remember, it’s okay to stumble. Embrace the learning process.
Losing your train of thought in sign language conversations is a natural part of the journey towards fluency. Each memory blip is an opportunity to learn and grow. So, the next time you encounter a memory detour, embrace it with patience and persistence. You’ll be back on track before you know it!
Keep signing, keep learning, and enjoy the beautiful journey of communicating through sign language.
This blog post was authored with the assistance of AI
Donations may be allocated to support Certified Deaf Interpreters, DeafBlind interpreters and support, ASL interpreters from marginalized communities, as well as fund requests for event access for Black Lives Matter (BLM) and various marginalized community events.
“Seek Help if Needed:”
100% this. I cannot count the number of signs I’ve learned from
“I forgot the sign for…”
Great post!