Learning how to express ages in American Sign Language (ASL) is a useful skill that can help you communicate with the deaf and hard of hearing community. Whether you’re learning ASL for personal enrichment or to communicate more effectively in your profession, understanding how to discuss ages is an important aspect of the language. In this guide, we’ll explore formal and informal ways of expressing ages in ASL, providing you with numerous tips and examples along the way.
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Formal Expressions of Age in ASL
In formal situations, such as giving presentations or discussing age-related topics, it’s essential to use appropriate language in ASL. Here are some ways to express ages formally:
1. Age Number + Years Old
One common way to express age in ASL is by using the person’s age number followed by the sign for “YEARS OLD.” For example, if you want to say “I am 20 years old,” sign “I” then sign “20” using your open palm, and complete the phrase with the sign for “YEARS OLD.”
2. Age Number + “TH”
Another formal option is to use ordinal numbers when discussing ages in ASL. To convey “I am 21 years old,” for instance, sign “I,” followed by the sign for “21,” and conclude with the sign for “TH” to indicate the ordinality (“21st” in this case).
Informal Expressions of Age in ASL
When engaging in casual conversations with friends, family, or peers, you may come across informal ways to express ages in ASL. Here are a few examples:
1. Age Fingerspelling
In informal settings, people may simply fingerspell their age. For instance, to say “I am 18 years old,” you can sign “I,” then spell out “1-8” using the ASL finger alphabet.
2. ASL Numbers
Using ASL numbers is another informal option. Some deaf individuals might quickly sign their age number using the ASL number system. For example, to say “I am 16 years old,” sign “I” then quickly sign “16” using the corresponding ASL number signs.
Tips for Sensitive Conversations
When discussing age in ASL, it’s important to be sensitive and respectful, just as you would in spoken language interactions. Here are some guidelines to consider:
1. Follow Cultural Norms
Be aware of cultural norms when discussing age. Some cultures perceive age-related discussions differently or may have specific customs regarding how age is approached, so it’s essential to respect and adapt to these differences when communicating in ASL.
2. Be Mindful of Facial Expressions
Facial expressions are crucial in ASL. When discussing age, maintain an appropriate facial expression based on the context of the conversation. Remember that some questions about age can be sensitive for individuals, so responding with empathy and understanding is important.
3. Use Contextual Clues
When discussing age, utilize contextual clues whenever possible. Pay attention to the conversation topic or the signs being used by others to gain insight into someone’s age without directly asking.
Example Conversations
Here are a few examples of how age discussions may unfold in ASL:
A: Hey, how old are you?
B: (casually) I’m 25 (fingerspelled)!
or
A: Can you share the demographics of your target audience?
B: (formally) Sure! The majority are between 35 and 50 years old.
Wrapping Up
Learning how to express ages in ASL opens doors to effective communication with the deaf and hard of hearing community. We’ve covered various formal and informal ways of discussing age, provided important tips for sensitive conversations, and shared examples to give you a solid foundation for expressing ages in ASL. Remember, practice and exposure to the deaf community will greatly enhance your ASL skills, leading to stronger connections and better communication.
