[cough], [ah-CHOO!]: Excuse me! Bless me!

[JoJo]

My ds and I have colds, and I keep wanting to say "Bless you!" when he sneezes . . . I wonder what to say?

And I've been making the sign for "sorry" when I cough, but it seems as if that would sound funny, wouldn't it? Is it right, or is it better to use the sign for "Excuse Me" at ASLpro that looks like "NICE" turned sideways . . .? I wonder what I would say for "Excuse you"?

Also, I can find "BLESS" at ASLpro. Should I do that and then sign "You"? If I wanted to say BLESS ME, would I do the sign for BLESS and then ME?

Thanks in advance for helping me! :-)

Jojo

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[joriejeffries]

It is funny that you ask, because this question is often asked in my sign language classes at Phoenix College. Technically things like Bless You and Excuse me for a burp are hearing words because the deaf can't hear you do those things, but they also adapt to our culture, so you can sign the letter B and then either Y or U (my instructors who are deaf use Y). The sign for excuse me is like you described it in your post only you would point either to yourself or to the person you are excusing. Hopefully this helps.