Welcome to our guide on how to say “community college” in American Sign Language (ASL). ASL is a rich and expressive language used by the Deaf community in the United States and parts of Canada. Learning ASL enables effective communication with Deaf individuals, fostering inclusivity and understanding. In this guide, we will cover both the formal and informal ways to express “community college” in ASL, offering tips, examples, and insights along the way.
Table of Contents
Formal Expression: Sign for “Community College”
When expressing “community college” formally in ASL, you can use the signs for “community” and “college” to convey the intended meaning. Here’s how:
1. “Community”
To sign “community,” start by extending your non-dominant hand parallel to the ground, palm facing up. Then, with your dominant hand in a modified “C” handshape, move it in a circular motion over your non-dominant hand, symbolizing people coming together to form a community.
Example: In a conversation, you can say, “I attend community college,” and sign “community” along with the appropriate signs for “college” (which we’ll cover next).
2. “College”
The sign for “college” in ASL is made by forming the letter “C” with both hands, palms facing each other, and then closing the hands into fists while maintaining the “C” shape. Finally, bring the fists together, intertwining your fingers slightly.
Example: You can introduce yourself as a faculty member saying, “I teach at the college,” and sign “college” using the specified handshape.
When combining the signs for “community” and “college,” you can sign “community college” in a single fluid movement. Start by signing “community” and then transition smoothly to “college” without pausing between the two.
Remember: When signing in ASL, it’s important to maintain a natural flow and avoid abrupt pauses between signs.
Example: Suppose you meet a Deaf friend who mentions their educational journey. You can respond, “That’s great! I’m attending community college too!” and sign “community college” using the described method.
Informal Expression: Using Initial Letters or Fingerspelling
In informal conversations, ASL users may opt for shorter and simpler ways to refer to “community college.” Two common approaches involve using initials or fingerspelling. Here’s how:
1. Initial Letters
When utilizing initial letters, you can smoothly glide from one sign to another.
- Sign the letter “C” with your dominant hand by forming a claw-like shape with your index, middle, and ring fingers while keeping your thumb tucked.
- Transition directly to signing the letter “C” with your non-dominant hand.
Example: Suppose you’re discussing educational options with a Deaf friend and want to mention community college. You can say, “Have you considered C-C?” while signing the letters “C” simultaneously.
2. Fingerspelling
Fingerspelling is another option for conveying “community college” informally. Each letter of the words “community” and “college” is represented by a specific handshape.
Example: You can sign “community college” by sequentially forming the handshapes for “C,” “O,” “M,” “M,” “U,” “N,” “I,” “T,” “Y,” “C,” “O,” “L,” “L,” “E,” “G,” “E” while maintaining a smooth flow between each letter.
Regional Variations: Adapting ASL to Local Communities
While ASL is a widely used language, it’s important to acknowledge the presence of regional variations. Signs may vary based on the specific Deaf community or the region in which ASL is used. Therefore, it’s essential to be open to local adaptations and learn from the Deaf community around you.
When communicating with individuals from different regions, it’s helpful to be aware of the core signs discussed here and adapt to any variations or modifications you might encounter.
Final Tips
Learning to sign “community college” in ASL is a valuable skill for effective communication with Deaf individuals. Here are some final tips to enhance your ASL proficiency:
- Practice regularly with Deaf individuals or fluent ASL users to refine your sign production and comprehension skills.
- Consider taking specialized ASL courses or attending community events to immerse yourself in the language and culture.
- Always be open to learning from the Deaf community and adapting your signing style based on their input and preferences.
- Remember that facial expressions, body language, and other non-manual markers are crucial in conveying meaning and tone in ASL.
- Respect and appreciate the diversity within the Deaf community, including variations in signing styles, regional signs, and cultural norms.
By adopting these suggestions, you’ll be on your way to becoming a confident and considerate signer in ASL, fostering inclusivity and promoting understanding within the Deaf community and beyond.
