How to Sign "Lets Go"
To sign 'let's go', form a flat handshape with your dominant hand, keeping your fingers together. Start with your hand near your chest, with your palm facing inward or slightly down. Sweep your hand forward and outward in a quick, decisive motion, as if gesturing for someone to move along with you.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and borrows heavily from natural body language. The sweeping forward motion visually represents the idea of moving onward or directing someone to come along with you. It physically mimics the act of ushering a group forward, making it very intuitive for beginners to learn and remember.
Signing Tips
Your facial expression is key to conveying the tone of this sign. If you are excited for an adventure, show a big smile and use a large, energetic sweep. If you are in a rush, make the motion sharper and faster while showing urgency on your face. Keep the movement fluid and natural.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is making the sweeping motion too small or keeping your hand too close to your body, which can make the sign look hesitant or unclear. Ensure your arm extends forward and outward confidently. Additionally, avoid using a stiff wrist; let your wrist bend naturally as you complete the sweeping motion.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Lets Go" in a Sentence
1Are you ready? Let's go!
Sign 'ready' while raising your eyebrows to ask the question, and then sign 'let's go' with an enthusiastic, energetic facial expression.
2Let's go to the store.
Sign 'let's go', followed by the sign for 'store'. You can point in the general direction of the store if it is nearby to add spatial context.
3Hurry up, let's go!
Sign 'hurry', then sign 'let's go' using a faster, sharper sweeping motion to clearly convey a sense of urgency to the other person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this sign to mean 'come on'?
Yes, this sign is very versatile and can often be used to mean 'come on' or 'move along'. The exact meaning will depend on the context of your conversation and the facial expression you use.
Should I use my right or left hand?
You should use your dominant hand for this sign. If you are right-handed, use your right hand to make the sweeping motion; if you are left-handed, use your left hand.
How do I show that I am in a hurry when signing 'let's go'?
To show urgency, make the sweeping motion of the sign much faster and sharper. Pair this quick movement with an urgent or serious facial expression to clearly communicate that you need to leave immediately.
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