Signing For Dummies (44 page)

English:
It’s dark and windy this evening.

Sign:
NOW NIGHT — DARK WINDY

English:
There is thunder and lightning outside.

Sign:
OUTSIDE — THUNDER LIGHTNING

Asking Rhetorical Questions

Asking a rhetorical question is a one-person show. You don’t really want a response, although your eyebrows are raised at the who, what, why, where question Signs and go down when you answer. You want to ask and answer the question yourself. A rhetorical question is a way of making a point and giving information. Keep your eyebrows up when you ask the question — that action tells everyone that you don’t expect an answer. You will know these are rhetorical questions when the Signer gives no pause before answering his own question. The hands never go down to give you a chance to put your hands up to respond.

English:
Brent is on my team.

Sign:
MY TEAM WHO — B-R-E-N-T

English:
The tournament is in Pueblo.

Sign:
TOURNAMENT WHERE — P-U-E-B-L-O

Signin’ the Sign

Jason and Jesse can’t decide what they want to do tomorrow — it just depends on the weather.

Jesse:
I want to go golf tomorrow.

Sign:
TOMORROW — GOLF — GO WANT ME

Jason:
I’ll go swimming tomorrow.

Sign:
TOMORROW — SWIM ME

Jesse:
If it rains, are you going swimming?

Sign:
IF RAIN — YOU SWIMMING Q

Jason:
No, I’ll stay home and read.

Sign:
NO — HOME STAY — READ

Jesse:
If it rains, let’s play cards.

Sign:
IF RAIN — CARDS US