Here are some ways you could convey sternness in ASL:
* Facial expressions: A furrowed brow, narrowed eyes, and a firm, serious expression can communicate sternness.
* Body language: A rigid posture, crossed arms, or pointing a finger can emphasize seriousness.
* Sign combinations: You could use signs like "serious," "strict," "firm," or "angry" along with appropriate facial expressions and body language to convey a stern tone.
* Contextual clues: The specific situation and the signs you use before and after the expression can also contribute to conveying a stern tone.
For example, if you're signing "You need to be quiet!" with a furrowed brow and a firm "quiet" sign, the context would make it clear that you're speaking sternly.
It's important to remember that ASL is a visual language, and the meaning is conveyed through the combination of signs, facial expressions, and body language. There isn't always a direct one-to-one translation for every English word.