To sign "flood," start with both hands flat, palms facing down, and fingers slightly spread in front of your torso. Raise both hands upward simultaneously to about head level, mimicking the rising level of water. As you raise your hands, puff out your cheeks to emphasize the large volume and intensity of the rising water.
Sign 'rain' with intensity, then transition into the 'flood' sign by raising your flat hands upward while puffing your cheeks to show the water rising.
After signing 'yesterday' and 'basement,' use the 'flood' sign to visually describe the water filling up the space from the floor upward.
Establish the 'river' and 'town' first, then use the 'flood' sign over the area to show the water level overtaking the town.
Sign 'rain' with intensity, then transition into the 'flood' sign by raising your flat hands upward while puffing your cheeks to show the water rising.
After signing 'yesterday' and 'basement,' use the 'flood' sign to visually describe the water filling up the space from the floor upward.
Establish the 'river' and 'town' first, then use the 'flood' sign over the area to show the water level overtaking the town.
Yes, puffing your cheeks is an important non-manual marker in ASL. It conveys a large volume or swelling, which is essential for distinguishing 'flood' from a simple 'rising' motion.
The sign for 'water' uses a 'W' handshape tapped on the chin. 'Flood' does not use the 'water' handshape; instead, it focuses entirely on the physical action of a water surface rising, using flat hands moving upward.
Absolutely! Moving your hands up quickly shows a flash flood or rapidly rising water, while a slower, steady movement indicates a gradual flood. Modifying the speed is a great way to add detail to your story.
