Learning how to ask for, and respond to, requests for help is useful for impromptu conversations you may have with Deaf people.
Vocabulary
Help is a directional verb, meaning the movement gives you information about who is helping whom.
How can I help you? is signed I-HELP-YOU HOW?
Help me please is signed YOU-HELP-ME PLEASE.
Write it down please is signed WRITE PLEASE.
Make a phone call please is signed YOU PHONE PLEASE.
Video demonstration
Exercise: With a partner, practice asking each other for help and then use one of the phrases to improve communication. Try to incorporate some the vocabulary learned in previous sections, such as Greetings and Manners.
Key points to remember
1. Some signs, like HELP, give you additional information depending on the direction of the movement. These are called directional verbs.
2. Remember some key phrases like write it down please in case you forget any signs.
3. If a Deaf BSL user approaches you for help, try to use some of the signs you have learned but remember the Deaf Awareness tips learned in section 1.
Useful downloads and links
A PDF version of this page will be available to download soon.