GRE - Asking for Clarification (Lesson)

Asking for Clarification

Strategies for Confirming Information and Asking for Clarification

Do not pretend you understand what a person is signing to you if you don't really understand. This will only get you into trouble when the person you are conversing with realizes you do not understand. It shows you don't really care what the person has to say. Take the time to confirm information and/or ask for clarification. 

1.  It is ok to inform the Deaf individual that you are new to the language and politely ask them to sign slowly.  Use this option in moderation.  

2.  To confirm that you understood a statement or concept correctly, restate the message back to the signer with a questioning expression. This will allow the person the opportunity to confirm that you understood correctly or clarify parts you misunderstood.

3.  When you understand most of what is being signed, but don't understand a particular sign, politely ask the Deaf individual the meaning of the unknown sign. 

4. When you catch some but not all signs in a statement, repeat back the signs you think you understood to the signer with a questioning expression. This will show him or her not only that you need clarification, but it will also let the person know what you understood so that he or she does not need to repeat that part of the message.

5. When you miss a whole statement, politely ask the person to sign again or explain. 
 
6. When you miss a fingerspelled word, sign "fingerspell" with a questioning facial expression to ask the person to respell the word. Simply signing this one sign with a questioning facial expression is the equivalent to asking, "What did you just finger spell?" or "Could you finger spell that again?"

Clarification Video

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