American Sign Language (ASL) is a rich and expressive language primarily used by the Deaf community in the United States and parts of Canada. When it comes to expressing the concept of “brought” in ASL, there are several ways to convey the meaning, depending on the context and formality of the conversation. In this guide, we will explore formal and informal ways of signing “brought” in ASL, providing you with tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Sign “Brought”
When engaging in a formal conversation or in educational settings, it is important to use the appropriate signs for “brought”. Here are a few formal signs you can use:
1. BRING: This sign is commonly used to convey the concept of “brought” in ASL. To sign “bring”, start with both hands in a relaxed ASL 5 handshape (open hand with all fingers extended). Bring your dominant hand towards your non-dominant hand, touching the tips of your fingers together. Then, move your dominant hand away from your non-dominant hand, showing the motion of bringing something towards you.
Example Sentence: “Yesterday, I brought my friend to the party.”
2. CARRY: If you want to emphasize the action of carrying something while bringing it, you can use the sign for “carry”. To sign “carry”, start with both hands in a relaxed ASL 5 handshape. Place your non-dominant hand slightly below your chest, palm facing upwards. Then, place your dominant hand on top of your non-dominant hand in a flat handshape, as if you are carrying an object on your palm. Move your dominant hand forward, indicating the action of carrying something.
Example Sentence: “She carried the groceries and brought them inside.”
Informal Ways to Sign “Brought”
Informal conversations among friends or in casual settings may allow for more flexibility in signing “brought”. Here are a couple of informal ways to sign the concept:
1. BRING-TO-ME: In informal contexts, you can simply use the sign for “bring” followed by the sign for “to” and then pointing towards yourself with an open hand. The “bring-to-me” sign emphasizes the action of bringing something to yourself.
Example Sentence: “Can you bring that book to me?”
2. GET: Another informal way to express “brought” is by using the sign for “get”. This sign represents the action of obtaining something, which implies that you have brought it with you. To sign “get”, start with one hand in a relaxed ASL 5 handshape. Place this hand in front of you, palm facing downwards. Then, bring it towards your body, curling your fingers slightly as if grabbing something.
Example Sentence: “I got the coffee and brought it to the office.”
Regional Variations
ASL can have some regional variations, influenced by local signs and cultural nuances. Here are a few regional variations for signing “brought” in ASL:
1. NORTHEAST VARIATION: In some areas of the northeastern United States, it is common to use a double movement for the sign “bring”. Instead of a single movement towards yourself, you would repeat the bringing motion twice. This emphasizes the action of bringing more strongly.
2. SOUTHERN VARIATION: In certain southern regions, you may find the sign “bring” performed similarly to the formal sign, but with a slight twist. Instead of bringing your dominant hand towards your non-dominant hand, you may bring it down towards your chest or waist level, showing the motion of bringing something closer to yourself.
In formal and educational settings, it’s essential to stick to the standardized signs, but in casual conversations, don’t hesitate to adapt to regional variations if you are comfortable and familiar with them.
Conclusion
Mastering the different ways to sign “brought” in ASL allows you to effectively convey the concept in various contexts. Remember, in formal situations, signs like “bring” and “carry” are suitable, while in informal settings, signs like “bring-to-me” or “get” can be used. Adaptation to regional variations is optional and depends on your comfort level and familiarity with those signs. Keep practicing, and soon you will feel confident in expressing “brought” in ASL naturally.
ASL is a beautiful and inclusive language that deserves our appreciation and effort to learn. By respecting its cultural richness and embracing its various expressions, we can create better connections and understanding within the Deaf community and beyond.
