To sign "applause," raise both hands up near your head or shoulders with your palms facing forward and fingers spread wide. Rapidly twist your wrists back and forth several times. This visual cheering replaces the auditory sound of clapping in Deaf culture.
Sign 'audience' and then perform the 'applause' sign enthusiastically with a big smile to convey that the applause was loud and energetic.
Sign 'wait' or 'hold,' then the sign for 'applause,' followed by 'until finish' to ask the audience to wait.
Point to the person to establish 'she,' sign 'deserve,' and then perform the 'applause' sign to celebrate her achievement.
Sign 'audience' and then perform the 'applause' sign enthusiastically with a big smile to convey that the applause was loud and energetic.
Sign 'wait' or 'hold,' then the sign for 'applause,' followed by 'until finish' to ask the audience to wait.
Point to the person to establish 'she,' sign 'deserve,' and then perform the 'applause' sign to celebrate her achievement.
While Deaf people might clap their hands together in mixed hearing and Deaf environments, the visual 'flashing hands' sign is the culturally appropriate and preferred way to show applause in Deaf spaces because everyone can see it.
Yes! This sign is very versatile and is often used to express general excitement, cheering, or saying 'yay!' in addition to formal applause.
You can sign 'stand up' and then do the 'applause' sign very enthusiastically, often reaching your hands higher and showing a very excited facial expression to emphasize the energy of the room.
