Affirmation – positive declaration or assertion
Affirmation is the opposite of negation and essentially relates to any
positive response. It is usually conveyed by the facial expressions
and body language of a singer, and how this relates to the language
itself and the language’s context. Affirmation is often used as
confirmation of understanding.
For example:
Question; Hi, okay?
Affirmation: Yes, good thank you (while nodding).
It is important to remember that the singer can lose clarity when
combining an expression of affirmation with a negative sign.
For example:
Signing ‘computer use’ with nod would imply you could, however if
the singer was shaking their head, it would imply that using the
computer is not possible.
Examples of affirming expressions/gestures include: open body
shapes, thumbs up, nodding and smiling.
Affirmation most often comes into use when someone has relayed
information and you have to signal whether or not you have
understood; a simple facial expression can often suffice but
affirmation (and negation) must both be used in the correct context.
Using the legal term ‘affirmation’
This term may be used in sign when referring to court proceedings or
describing making a pledge, swearing on an oath etc.
Deaf Solutions 3 L2 Handout information
Hand-shape and orientation:
The ‘pen’ hand (i.e. the hand used frequently) is held with palm facing
down and the fingers pointing away from the singer; the ‘paper’ hand
(i.e. the unnatural hand) is held with the palm facing away from the
singer and the fingers pointing up.
Location, hand arrangement and contact:
The left hand is held in front of the body; the right hand is held in front
of the right shoulder.
Deaf Solutions 3 L2 Handout information