Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to sign the word “became” in American Sign Language (ASL). Whether you’re looking for the formal or informal way to express this concept, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll walk you through different sign variations, provide valuable tips, and illustrate examples to enhance your understanding. So, let’s dive in and explore the various ways to convey “became” in ASL.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Sign “Became” in ASL
When expressing “became” formally in ASL, there are a few variations to consider. It’s important to remember that ASL is a visual and gestural language, so these descriptions are intended to give you a general understanding rather than an exact translation.
1. Transformation Sign
One way to sign “became” is by using a transformation sign that shows a change or transition. Start with the initial state or concept and smoothly transition to the final state or concept. This sign emphasizes the process of transformation and change. For example, if you want to convey “he became strong,” you would start with the sign for “he” and then smoothly transition to the sign for “strong.”
2. Process Sign
Another formal way to sign “became” is by using a process sign. This approach focuses on the step-by-step progression of the transformation. Instead of highlighting the end result, each stage of the process is represented. For example, to express “she became a doctor,” you would sign “she” followed by a series of signs depicting the process of becoming a doctor, such as “study,” “graduate,” and “work.”
Informal Ways to Sign “Became” in ASL
While formal ways to sign “became” provide a clear and structured representation, informal variations in ASL often rely on facial expressions and context to convey the sense of change or transformation. Here are a couple of common informal approaches.
1. Eyebrow Raise
When signing informally, a simple way to express “became” is by raising your eyebrows while signing the action or concept that changed. The raised eyebrows indicate the transformation occurred. For instance, if you want to say “it became dark,” you would raise your eyebrows while signing “dark.”
2. Contextual Incorporation
Another informal method involves incorporating the context of the situation or storyline to depict the concept of “became.” By providing a visual or gestural representation of the change, you can convey “became” more naturally. For example, if you are sharing a narrative about a caterpillar turning into a butterfly, you can visually demonstrate the transformation using appropriate signs or gestures.
Tips for Accurate Usage
To effectively communicate the idea of “became” in ASL, keep the following tips in mind:
- Pay attention to facial expressions: Facial expressions play a crucial role in ASL. Using appropriate facial expressions while signing “became” helps to convey the intended meaning and emotion more effectively.
- Consider the surrounding context: Take into account the surrounding words and sentences to ensure the correct understanding of “became” in ASL. Context is essential for accurate interpretation.
- Practice signing fluid transitions: When using transformation signs, ensure smooth and fluid transitions to depict the transformation process accurately. Clear gestures are necessary for conveying meaning in ASL.
- Learn from native ASL signers: Watching videos or interacting with native ASL signers can greatly enhance your understanding. Observe their signing style and incorporate their natural signing techniques into your own signing.
Pro tip: Like spoken languages, ASL may have regional variations or personal signing styles. It’s always beneficial to embrace diverse signing approaches, but for the purpose of this guide, we’ll focus on the broader, commonly used signs for “became” in ASL.
Examples of “Became” in ASL
Examples help solidify understanding, so here are a few illustrative scenarios to demonstrate how to sign “became” in ASL:
1. John became a teacher. – Sign “John,” smoothly transition to the ASL sign for “teacher” while maintaining appropriate facial expressions to convey the sense of transformation.
2. The weather became colder. – Sign “weather,” then raise your eyebrows while signing “cold” to indicate the change in temperature.
3. They became close friends. – Sign “they,” and use appropriate facial expressions and gestures to indicate the development of a close friendship.
Remember, practicing these examples and adapting them according to the context and regional variations will improve your ability to sign “became” more effectively in ASL.
We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with valuable insights into how to sign “became” in ASL. Remember to embrace the beauty and artistic expression of ASL and continue practicing and expanding your signing skills. Happy signing!
