How to Say “Better” in ASL

When it comes to American Sign Language (ASL), it is essential to learn how to express various concepts and emotions effectively. One such word is “better.” Whether you want to convey improvement, advancement, or enhancement, knowing how to sign “better” in ASL can be extremely useful. In this guide, we will explore formal and informal ways to sign “better,” along with some tips, examples, and a few regional variations.

Formal Sign for “Better”

The formal sign for “better” in ASL involves a combination of hand movements and facial expressions. To sign “better” formally, follow these steps:

1. Start with your dominant hand open and fingers extended slightly apart.
2. Place your fingertips on your non-dominant palm.
3. Move your dominant hand forward and upward, tracing a small arc.
4. While moving your hand, slightly curl your fingers into a loose fist.
5. As you reach the peak of the arc, open your fingers again, splaying them apart.
6. Simultaneously, lift your eyebrows and tilt your head forward slightly to convey emphasis.

This formal sign for “better” indicates a significant improvement or advancement in a formal setting, such as during a professional conversation or in a formal ASL class.

Informal Sign for “Better”

For everyday conversations and informal situations, a slightly modified version of the sign is commonly used. To sign “better” informally, follow these steps:

1. Start with your dominant hand open and fingers extended slightly apart.
2. Place your fingertips on your non-dominant palm.
3. Move your dominant hand forward and upward, tracing a small arc just like in the formal sign.
4. However, this time, keep your fingers extended and do not curl them into a loose fist.
5. As you reach the peak of the arc, open your fingers completely with a swift and crisp motion.
6. Avoid raising your eyebrows and tilting your head forward, maintaining a relaxed facial expression.

This informal sign for “better” is commonly used among friends, family, and in casual conversations. It indicates improvement or enhancement without the formality of the formal sign.

Regional Variations

While ASL generally follows a standard set of signs across regions, there may be slight variations in certain signs. However, for the sign “better,” the formal and informal variations mentioned above are widely accepted and understood throughout most ASL communities. These signs provide a solid foundation for communication across different regions.

Tips for Signing “Better”

When signing “better” in ASL, consider the following tips:

• Maintain a clear and fluent hand movement while signing.
• Pay attention to facial expressions, as they play a crucial role in ASL communication.
• Practice the sign in front of a mirror to ensure accuracy.
• Use appropriate signing space and handshape.

Examples

Here are a few examples of how to use the sign for “better” in sentences:

“After practicing for weeks, my signing skills have become much better.”

“I took a sign language class to communicate better with my Deaf neighbors.”

“Your signing has improved, and it’s getting better every day!”

By incorporating the sign for “better” into your ASL vocabulary, you can express improvement and enhancement effectively in conversations, both formally and informally.

Remember, practice is key to mastering any language, including ASL. Keep learning and exploring the rich world of sign language to become an even better signer!