How to Sign "Drought"
The sign for 'drought' is a compound that conveys a long-lasting dry area. Start by indicating the land or environment: hold both hands open, palms facing down, and move them slightly outward. Next, sign 'DRY' by dragging the side of your hooked right index finger across your chin from left to right. Finally, sign 'CONTINUE' by bringing both 'A' hands together with thumbs pointing forward, and pushing them forward to show the condition lasting a long time. Use a strained facial expression to emphasize the severity.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly descriptive and combines three clear concepts. It starts by establishing the context of the land or environment. Then, it uses the sign for 'DRY' (which mimics wiping a dry chin) and combines it with 'CONTINUE' (pushing forward into the future). Together, they literally translate to 'the land stays dry for a long time,' perfectly capturing the concept of a drought.
Signing Tips
Make sure to use a facial expression that conveys the severity and duration of the dry spell. Squinting and a slight grimace work well. The transition between 'DRY' and 'CONTINUE' should be fluid, linking the concept of 'dryness' directly to 'lasting'. When signing 'CONTINUE', keep your thumbs pointing forward and push both hands outward in a smooth, deliberate motion.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is forgetting the 'CONTINUE' part of the sign, which leaves the meaning as just 'dry land' rather than a prolonged drought. Additionally, ensure you use the correct 'X' handshape (hooked index finger) for 'DRY', rather than a full 'C' handshape.
Regional Variations
Some signers might simply sign 'DRY' followed by 'CONTINUE' without the initial 'LAND' sign. In other regions, you might see a variation that combines 'WATER', 'NONE', and 'LONG-TIME'.
Examples Using "Drought" in a Sentence
1The drought ruined the farmers' crops.
Sign 'FARMER CROP RUIN' followed by the compound sign for 'DROUGHT' to explain the cause.
2We desperately need rain because of the drought.
Start with 'DROUGHT' to establish the context, then sign 'RAIN WE NEED' with an intense, pleading facial expression.
3The lake's water level is low due to the drought.
Sign 'DROUGHT CAUSE LAKE WATER LOW', using a downward motion with a flat hand to show the water level dropping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just sign 'DRY' for drought?
No, 'DRY' just describes a temporary state or characteristic. Adding 'CONTINUE' is essential to convey that the dryness is a prolonged, ongoing event, which is the definition of a drought.
What handshape is used for the 'CONTINUE' part of the sign?
Use 'A' handshapes for both hands. Keep your fingers curled in, with your thumbs resting against the side of your index fingers and pointing forward as you push your hands out.
Do I always need to sign 'LAND' at the beginning?
While the full compound includes 'LAND' or 'AREA' for clarity, if the context of weather or farming is already established, some signers may shorten it to just 'DRY' and 'CONTINUE'.
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