QUESTION:
A student writes:
Is there a sign for "um" in ASL? It seems that when
interpreting there should be some sign, or indication, or something
that would communicate "he/she is not saying anything, but is saying
something." Hopefully that makes sense. Do Deaf people have a
comparable sign or something like "um?"
ANSWER:
1.
The typical "um" equivalent is to use a loose hand and rotate it in the
air (pivoting at the wrist) while using a facial expression that
looks like you are trying to think of something.
2.
Some people spell UMMMMMMM by doing a "U" and then sliding an "M." Thus
it is somewhat of a "joke sign."
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