American Sign Language (ASL) is a vibrant and expressive language used by the Deaf community in the United States. In ASL, conveying the word “are” requires understanding the grammar and structure unique to this visual language. Whether you are just starting to learn ASL or you want to expand your linguistic knowledge, this comprehensive guide will provide you with formal and informal ways to express “are” in ASL, highlighting tips, examples, and occasional regional variations. Let’s dive in and explore the fascinating world of ASL grammar!
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Formal Use of “Are” in ASL
In formal ASL, the concept of “are” is often conveyed by incorporating directional verbs, classifiers, or other grammatical structures. Let’s explore a few commonly used methods:
1. Directional Verbs:
By using directional verbs, ASL speakers can indicate the direction of the subject relative to the noun. Here are a couple of examples:
Example 1: The apples are on the table. (Point towards the table and sign “APPLE” above it)
Example 2: The children are playing outside. (Gesture towards the outside and sign “CHILD” with movement)
2. Classifiers:
Classifiers are handshapes that represent objects, people, or their actions. They are used to denote the subject and its relationship with other elements in a sentence. Here’s how you can use classifiers to express “are” in ASL:
Example 1: The houses are big. (Use the “CL:3” classifier to represent the houses and show their size)
Example 2: The birds are flying. (Use the “CL:B” classifier to represent the birds and their flight)
3. Grammatical Structures:
ASL has its own unique grammatical structures, including facial expressions, body movements, and non-manual markers. These elements combined with specific signs can indicate the presence of “are” in a sentence. Let’s examine a couple of examples:
Example 1: They are happy. (Sign “THEY” and express happiness through a smiling facial expression)
Example 2: You are tall. (Sign “YOU” and use a upward movement with hand palm down to indicate height)
Informal Use of “Are” in ASL
In informal conversation, ASL speakers often adapt their signing style to be more conversational, casual, and fluid. This flexibility allows for variations in how “are” can be expressed. Here are a few informal methods used by native ASL users:
1. Facial Expressions and Head Nods:
In informal ASL, facial expressions and head nods play a significant role in conveying meaning. By combining appropriate facial expressions with context, you can imply the use of “are” in your signing without explicitly using a specific sign. For instance:
Example 1: The party was fun! (Nod your head, smile, and sign “PARTY” to express enjoyment)
Example 2: Your friends are cool. (Raise your eyebrows, nod approvingly, and sign “YOUR FRIEND” with a positive facial expression)
2. Elongated Signs:
Another way to convey “are” informally is by elongating certain signs to emphasize the subject’s continuous state or action. This method is commonly used in casual conversations. Let’s take a look at some examples:
Example 1: They’re best friends. (Extend the sign “THEY” to show a strong bond)
Example 2: You guys are talking too much. (Prolong the sign “YOU GUYS” to indicate excessive conversation)
Regional Variations
Sign languages, including ASL, can vary regionally in some aspects, including vocabulary, grammar, or cultural influences. However, when it comes to the expression of “are” in ASL, the variations are minimal. The formal and informal methods explained above are widely used across different regions and are understood by ASL users from various backgrounds.
Conclusion
Learning how to express “are” in ASL involves incorporating various grammatical structures, directional verbs, classifiers, facial expressions, and body movements. By understanding the formal and informal methods, you’ll be able to create meaningful conversations in ASL. Remember, practice and exposure to native ASL users will greatly enhance your fluency and understanding of this beautiful language. So, keep immersing yourself in ASL, embrace the Deaf community, and continue to expand your signing skills!
