Greetings! If you are looking to learn how to say “afternoon” in American Sign Language (ASL), you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways of conveying this concept in ASL. While regional variations are not significant in the ASL sign for “afternoon,” we’ll cover them if necessary. From tips to examples, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Afternoon in ASL
When it comes to formal settings or situations, such as in a professional or academic context, it’s important to use appropriate language and etiquette in ASL. To convey “afternoon” formally, you can use the following signs:
1. Sign for “AFTER”: Start with the dominant hand shaped into a loose fist, palm facing down, at about chest level. Move your hand forward and slightly downward in a small arc, representing the concept of time passing. This sign should be done smoothly and with a relaxed motion.
2. Sign for “NOON”: Hold both hands out in front of you, palms facing down. Touch the middle fingers of both hands together, forming a small arch. Then, separate your hands while keeping the middle fingers connected, representing the sun at its peak in the middle of the day.
3. Sign for “TIME”: Bring your dominant hand up to your chin with the index finger extended. Touch your chin briefly before moving your hand forward in a small scooping motion, indicating the passage of time.
By combining these signs, you can convey the time of day formally in ASL, specifically “afternoon.”
Informal Ways to Say Afternoon in ASL
When interacting with friends, family, or in informal settings, a more casual approach to signing “afternoon” can be used. Here are a couple of informal signs you can use:
1. Sign for “AFTER”: Similar to the formal version, use your dominant hand shaped into a loose fist, palm facing down. Move your hand forward and slightly downward in a small arc, indicating the passing of time.
2. Sign for “NOON”: Instead of the formal sign, in informal situations, you can simply sign “noon” by pointing your index finger upward on one hand towards the sky. This conveys the idea of the sun being directly overhead.
Informal signing allows for a more relaxed and simplified approach, making communication with friends and family more effortless.
Examples of “Afternoon” in Context
To give you a better understanding of how to use the signs for “afternoon” in ASL, here are a few examples:
- Example 1: In a formal setting:
Imagine you are attending a conference and want to ask someone about an afternoon session. You can sign, “AFTERNOON SESSION, TIME? YOU KNOW?” with the appropriate facial expressions and body language. This would be the formal way to inquire about the afternoon session.
Example 2: In an informal setting:
At a family gathering, you may want to let your relatives know you will be leaving in the afternoon. Using more casual language, you can sign, “AFTERNOON, I LEAVE” while pointing to yourself. This way, you can convey your departure plan without the need for excessive formality.
Regional Variations
While ASL is a standardized language used across the United States, there might be small variations in certain signs depending on the region. However, for the sign “afternoon,” there are no significant regional variations observed. The signs explained above can be used universally throughout the ASL community.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to say “afternoon” in ASL. You now have the knowledge to sign it both formally and informally, with examples to guide you. Remember, communication in ASL involves not only the use of signs but also facial expressions, body language, and context. Keep practicing and immersing yourself in the rich world of ASL to enhance your fluency and understanding.
