Lee Tom
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to express the concept of “bring” in American Sign Language (ASL). Whether you’re communicating formally or informally, we’ll walk you through various ways to convey this action. While we’ll primarily focus on the standard ASL vocabulary, we’ll also touch upon any regional variations that are worth noting.
Formal Expressions for “Bring” in ASL
1. Standard ASL Sign for “Bring”
The most common and widely used sign for “bring” in formal ASL is formed by extending both your dominant and non-dominant hands in front of you with the palms facing upwards. Your dominant hand moves towards your non-dominant hand in a smooth motion, mimicking the action of bringing something towards yourself.
Example: If someone stands behind you, you can turn towards them and sign “bring” to indicate that they should bring an item to you.
2. Sign for “Carry” as a Formal Alternative
Another acceptable formal alternative to express “bringing” something is to use the sign for “carry.” This sign is made by forming a “C” shape with your dominant hand, palm facing up, and then imagining that you’re holding an object within the hand-shape. With your non-dominant hand, mime the action of lifting and carrying that object.
Example: When talking about bringing groceries from the car, you can use the sign for “carry” to communicate this action.
Informal Ways to Sign “Bring” in ASL
1. Pointing and Directed Eye Gaze
ASL allows a more casual and simplified approach when conveying the concept of “bring.” In informal situations, you can simply point towards the desired object or location, while simultaneously using directed eye gaze (looking towards the object or the direction you want someone to bring something from) to indicate the action of “bringing.”
Example: When asking someone to bring you a book, you can casually point at the bookshelf and look towards it.
2. Contextual Clues
Another informal way to indicate “bring” in ASL is by relying on contextual clues. By establishing the context of the conversation or by using other signs to indicate the action of bringing, you can effectively communicate the meaning without explicitly signing the word “bring.”
Example: If you and your friend are discussing plans for a picnic and you sign “food” and “park,” they can infer that you’re asking them to bring food to the park.
Regional Variations
While ASL is used across the United States, regional variations can arise due to language and cultural differences. However, for the concept of “bring,” the signs discussed above are generally understood and used throughout most ASL communities.
Tip: To ensure effective communication, it’s always helpful to familiarize yourself with the specific regional variations when learning and using ASL in different areas.
Conclusion
Mastering the concept of “bring” in ASL opens up countless possibilities for effective communication. Whether you’re using formal expressions like the standard ASL sign or opting for more casual approaches like pointing or contextual clues, practicing these different techniques will help you become more fluent in ASL. Remember to be aware of regional variations, and always consider the context to enhance the clarity of your message.
ASL is a beautiful and expressive language, so continue to explore and learn new signs to expand your vocabulary and communication skills. Happy signing!
