Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “come” in American Sign Language (ASL). In this guide, we will explore multiple ways to express the concept of “come” in ASL, both formally and informally. While some regional variations exist, we will focus primarily on the widely used signs. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Come” in ASL
When you want to convey a formal or polite invitation for someone to come over or join you, you can use the following signs:
1. Basic “COME” Sign:
The most standard and commonly used sign for “come” in ASL is performed as follows:
- Extend your dominant hand with an open palm facing upward.
- Using a gentle yet clear motion, bring your hand toward your body, almost as if you are inviting the person towards you.
- Combine this sign with a warm facial expression and eye contact to enhance its formal tone.
2. “COME” Sign with Polite Gesture:
If you want to add a touch of politeness to your invitation, you can incorporate a small bow or nod of the head while performing the basic “come” sign. This gesture demonstrates respect and emphasizes the invitation further.
3. “COME” Sign with Gentle Hand Wave:
An alternate formal variation involves adding a gentle wave with your extended hand while signing “come”. This slight motion adds an additional layer of politeness and grace to your invitation.
Informal Ways to Say “Come” in ASL
When you’re in a more casual or familiar setting, you might prefer to use a less formal sign to convey the notion of “come”. Here are a few informal options commonly used in ASL:
1. “COME” Sign with Bent Fingers:
A common informal variation of the basic “come” sign involves bending your fingers slightly while performing the motion. This sign is often used among friends and family in relaxed settings or casual conversations.
2. “COME” Sign with Waving Hand:
Another informal variation includes waving your extended hand back and forth while using the basic “come” sign. This sign is often seen when trying to grab the attention of someone or calling them over casually.
Regional Variations
While ASL is a standardized language, regional variations can arise. It’s important to note that various signs for “come” might vary depending on the specific ASL community you encounter. However, the signs mentioned earlier will generally be understood throughout the ASL-speaking community.
Additional Tips and Examples
Tips:
- Maintain a warm and inviting expression throughout the sign to reinforce the desired tone.
- Use appropriate eye contact to establish a personal connection while signing.
- Remember that facial expressions and body language play a crucial role in ASL, so be mindful of your overall presentation.
- Practice the signs with a fluent ASL speaker or through online resources to ensure accurate execution.
Examples:
You’re invited to my birthday party! Please come and celebrate with us! (*using the basic “come” sign with a polite gesture*)
In a casual context:
Hey, can you come help me with this? (*using the informal “come” sign with bent fingers*)
Remember to adapt the sign to match the appropriate level of formality based on the situation and relationship with the person you’re addressing.
Congratulations! You’ve now learned several ways to say “come” in ASL, both formally and informally. Remember to practice these signs regularly to improve your fluency and confidence in expressing invitations or calling people over in ASL. Enjoy signing and communicating with others in this beautiful visual language!
