How to sign "excuse me" and the difference between "awake" and "surprise"

[Lisa]

Hi all -
I have two questions. The first is how to sign "excuse me" as in after you burp. My three year old is experimenting with burping and we are teaching her to say "excuse me" but I want her to be able to sign it as well.
Also - the signs for "awake" and "surprise" seem exactly alike when I've seen them on ST vol. 5(?) and the preview song for vol. 10. I'm wondering if there is a very subtle difference I'm not picking up.
Thanks!
Lisa

[jenml]

Hi all -
I have two questions. The first is how to sign "excuse me" as in after you burp. My three year old is experimenting with burping and we are teaching her to say "excuse me" but I want her to be able to sign it as well.
Also - the signs for "awake" and "surprise" seem exactly alike when I've seen them on ST vol. 5(?) and the preview song for vol. 10. I'm wondering if there is a very subtle difference I'm not picking up.
Thanks!
Lisa
Excuse me: non dom hand flat in front of you, palm up. Dom hand in a "bent B" position, then brush non dom hand out towards your finger tips.

Awake and surprise: facial expression is key. Awake is kind of relaxed, and surprised could be done more quickly, with an "o" mouth... surprise could be grander, too (done with a bigger motion).
Hope that makes sense... and as always, context context context (think of English... we have the same plms... bear/bare, light(lamp)/light(not heavy), here/hear... you get the idea. Context is your friend!! :cool: