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"Help Me" hand signal

juneroses Z9a Cntrl Fl

5 years ago

I just learned of this international hand signal for "help me". It's good to know, whether you need to use it (hopefully not) or so you recognize the meaning if another person signals to you.

https://www.upworthy.com/international-signal-for-help

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Lars

5 years ago

I am somewhat suspicious of anything that claims to be an international or universal hand signal. ASL is different from international hand signals and could be a cause for confusion. A lot of hand signals used in Brazil mean something totally different in other countries.

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Comments (11)

Lars
5 years ago
This is what I learned for "Help":
jkayd_il5
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Many years ago when none of us really knew much about sex trafficking I was in a rest stop restroom. While washing my hands a teenaged girl next to me kept trying to make eye contact with me in the mirror. I looked at her a couple of times but it made me uncomfortable so I finished washing my hands and left. I have thought of that many times over the years. Was she asking for help? I will never know but if that happened today. I would be more aware of what she may have been trying to do and probably ask her if she was ok. A hand signal would be helpful is situations like this.
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maifleur03
5 years ago
I do not know enough sign language and am aware that even in the US there are versions of it but I seem to remember that was something that you just did not sign unless you are very good friends. Perhaps someone with more training could post.
Elmer J Fudd
5 years ago
I don't think what's suggested is particularly well known so I wonder if it's of much use.
eld6161
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
It was created as a secret hand signal to alert others that they are in desperate need of help.

I agree Elmer, I know about this but Inam sure it is not as well known as it should be.
rob333 (zone 7b)
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I'm pretty sure that I may be dumb, but I'm not stupid.

I would totally take it in the context of the situation, the look on their face, and what they were trying to say.

Different or wrong hand signals, I'm sure I would get it. At least I might. The fact we've raised awareness to be looking for that sort of thing, brings me peace, and I hope...

hope for them
chisue
5 years ago
Useful information. Helpful if the signer can supplement with facial expression. More subtle than the two-handed sign.
tami_ohio
5 years ago
I've seen this on commercials promoting the signal for help in such situations. It is totally different from the ASL sign for help. I've taken several classes for sign language and never been told that the sign for help was not to be used unless you were with very good friends. It is a commonly used word, in any language, in many contexts. Not just help me as the signal originally mentioned, but asking for help to do things, ect. One of my classes was taught by a deaf person, so I think it would have been mentioned, especially as we were taught the sign in her class.
littlespaces
5 years ago
I've seen videos about this hand signal, and the hope is that this method of asking for help will become mainstream. Enough repetition in ads and sharing videos will make it happen - and if just one person has seen the ad/message and sees someone making that hand signal, then it's been proven to work.

As for ASL, it requires two hands - this one-handed signal is much more discreet. Plus, it's international. Even the sign language for "help" is different in British Sign Language than ASL.
tami_ohio
5 years ago
Yes, there isn't a universal sign language. It would be wonderful if there was. As for this universal signal for help, it's a good thing that it's different, since using two hands to signal for help isn't always possible.

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