When learning American Sign Language (ASL), it’s essential to understand how to express different times of the day, including “afternoon.” In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to convey “afternoon” in ASL, providing you with tips, examples, and clarifying any regional variations if necessary.
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Formal Ways to Say Afternoon in ASL
1. The most standard and formal way to express “afternoon” in ASL is by signing the word “AFTER” followed by the sign for “NOON.” Here’s how you do it:
Sign for AFTER: Hold your dominant hand vertically, palm facing upwards, fingers together and pointing forward. Then, move your hand a short distance forward, mimicking the concept of moving beyond a point in time.
Sign for NOON: Gently tap the back of your non-dominant flat hand with the back of your dominant open hand, fingers slightly bent.
Combine the two signs sequentially to signify “afternoon.”
2. Another formal way of expressing “afternoon” in ASL is by signing the word “AFTER” followed by the sign for “LUNCH.” Here’s how:
Sign for LUNCH: Hold both flat hands horizontally, palms facing each other. Tap the tip of the thumb of your dominant hand on your chin and then tap the tip of the thumb of your non-dominant hand on the back of your dominant hand.
Merge the sign for “AFTER” and “LUNCH” together to communicate “afternoon.”
Informal Ways to Say “Afternoon” in ASL
1. An informal way to say “afternoon” in ASL is by using the sign for “GOOD” followed by the sign for “AFTER.” This combination signifies “good afternoon” and is commonly used in casual conversations. Here’s how to do it:
Sign for GOOD: Place your open hand against your lips and move it forward, ending with your palm facing up. This sign indicates something positive or good.
Sign for AFTER: Use the same sign as described before, moving your hand forward to represent moving beyond a point in time.
Combine the gestures for “GOOD” and “AFTER” to express “good afternoon” in ASL.
2. Another informal way to convey “afternoon” in ASL is by simply combining the sign for “GOOD” with the sign for “DAY.” This combination generally represents “good day,” but when used in the afternoon, it implies a good afternoon. Here’s how:
Sign for DAY: Hold your flat hand vertically, palm facing inwards, fingers closed and touching your chin. Then, rotate your hand forward slightly.
Merge the sign for “GOOD” and “DAY” together to express “good afternoon” in ASL.
Tips for Signing “Afternoon” in ASL
1. Emphasize facial expressions: When signing any time of the day, including “afternoon,” be sure to accompany your signs with appropriate facial expressions. This adds clarity and enhances your communication.
2. Practice sign speed: Pay attention to the speed at which you execute signs. Ensure they are not too fast or too slow, as this can affect comprehension. Practice at a comfortable pace to ensure clear communication.
3. Observe nativeness: To become more proficient in ASL, observe the signing style and gestures used by native signers. This will help you develop a more natural and authentic signing approach.
Example Conversations Using “Afternoon” in ASL
Now, let’s look at a couple of examples showcasing the use of “afternoon” in ASL:
- Example 1:
Person A: Good morning! How are you?
Person B: Good afternoon! I’m doing well, thank you!
Example 2:
Person A: Could we meet this afternoon?
Person B: Sure! What time in particular?
Person A: How about 2 o’clock?
Regional Variations
When it comes to signing “afternoon” in ASL, there are generally no significant regional variations. However, slight differences may exist in particular signing communities. It’s important to immerse yourself in the local signing community to become familiar with any such variations.
Remember, practicing ASL regularly and engaging with the Deaf community will help you become more proficient and confident in conveying “afternoon” and other aspects of the language.
In conclusion, knowing how to say “afternoon” in ASL allows you to effectively communicate with those who rely on sign language for communication. Whether you opt for the more formal expressions or prefer a casual approach, clear sign production paired with appropriate facial expressions is key in conveying your message accurately.
