Welcome to this guide on how to say “Brooklyn” in American Sign Language (ASL). ASL is a rich and expressive language used by the Deaf community in the United States. In this guide, we will explore different ways to sign “Brooklyn” in both formal and informal contexts. We’ll also provide tips, examples, and discuss any regional variations that may exist. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Sign Brooklyn in ASL
When signing “Brooklyn” in a formal context, it is important to use the standard signs widely recognized within the Deaf community. Here’s how you can do it:
Using Fingerspelling
The most common way to sign “Brooklyn” formally is through fingerspelling. You would use the following handshape positions representing each letter:
B: Hold your dominant hand up, palm facing outward, with all your fingers together and your thumb tucked in. R: Extend your index and middle fingers while keeping the rest of your fingers curled into your palm. O: Form an “O” shape by touching your thumb and index finger together while keeping your other fingers extended. O: Same as above. K: Make a “K” shape by extending your index, middle, and ring fingers while curling your pinky and thumb into your palm. L: Extend your thumb outwards while curling the remaining fingers into your palm. Y: Extend your pinky, ring, and middle fingers while curling your index finger and thumb into your palm. N: Extend your index and middle fingers, forming an “N” shape, while keeping the rest of your fingers curled into your palm.
When fingerspelling “Brooklyn,” maintain a smooth and fluid motion to ensure readability. Remember, practice is key to improving your fingerspelling skills!
Using the Brooklyn Borough Sign
In a formal context, you can also convey “Brooklyn” by using the unique borough sign for Brooklyn. The sign leverages a combination of the “B” and “K” alphabetic handshapes. Here’s how you can sign it:
B: Follow the same handshape as described above for “B.” K: Create a “K” shape as described above.
While keeping your non-dominant hand stationary and palm facing slightly inward, bring your dominant hand from the side of your body towards your non-dominant hand, tapping the base of your non-dominant hand with the knuckles of your dominant hand. This represents the “Brooklyn” borough sign in ASL.
Informal Ways to Sign Brooklyn in ASL
ASL encompasses informal variations as well. Informal signs often evolve within close-knit communities, and they may differ from the formal signs used in a more professional or educational setting. Here are a few ways to sign “Brooklyn” more casually:
With a Modified Fingerspelling
In informal settings, you may notice a modified version of fingerspelling for “Brooklyn.” Though not universally accepted as formal ASL, it can still be used among friends or within specific communities. The modified signs often simplify and combine certain letters. Here’s how you can sign “Brooklyn” informally:
B: Hold your dominant hand up with all your fingers together, similar to the formal “B.” O: Hold your hand up, palm facing inward, and bring your thumb and index finger together to form a small circle. O: Same as above. K: Make a “K” shape with your index and middle fingers extended, similar to the formal sign. L: Simply extend your thumb outwards. N: Place your index finger on your thumb’s base while extending your other fingers slightly.
Remember that this modified version of fingerspelling should only be used in appropriate informal contexts, as using it in formal settings may not be well-received or understood by all.
Regional Variations
Sign languages can show variations based on regional dialects or cultural influences. However, with regards to “Brooklyn” in ASL, there are no widespread regional variations reported. Due to the strong presence of American Sign Language throughout the United States, the formal and informal methods detailed above are widely recognized and understood in various communities.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned different ways to sign “Brooklyn” in ASL, both formally and informally. Remember, ASL is a living language that continues to evolve within specific communities. While the formal methods taught in educational and professional settings are highly valued, informal variations may exist within certain groups of people. Always consider the context and the individuals you are interacting with when choosing how to sign “Brooklyn” in ASL.
Whether you use fingerspelling or the unique borough sign, embrace and respect the beautiful language of ASL as you communicate with the Deaf community and others who appreciate this vibrant form of expression.
