In American Sign Language (ASL), understanding how to express the concept of “commute” can be highly valuable in various conversations and scenarios. Whether you are a beginner or already have some knowledge of ASL, this guide will help you learn how to say “commute” in ASL. We will explore both formal and informal ways to express this term, providing examples, tips, and even delving into regional variations where necessary.
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Formal Ways to Say Commute in ASL
When communicating in more formal settings or situations, it’s important to use appropriate ASL vocabulary. Here are a few ways to sign “commute” formally in ASL:
1. Sign: COMMUTE
The most straightforward way to express “commute” in ASL is by using the standard sign for “COMMUTE.” To sign “COMMUTE,” you can follow these steps:
- Extend your non-dominant hand in front of you, palm facing down.
- With your dominant hand, make a “1” handshape (closed fist) and place it on your non-dominant hand.
- Mimic the motion of driving or traveling back and forth by moving your dominant hand from side to side on your non-dominant hand.
This sign emphasizes the act of commuting and is suitable for formal conversations or when discussing your daily travel routine.
2. Sign: TRANSPORT
If you want to be more specific and convey the idea of transportation during a commute, you can use the sign for “TRANSPORT.” Follow these steps to sign “TRANSPORT” appropriately:
- Hold both of your “C” handshapes (fingers extended and held together) in front of you.
- Starting with your dominant hand, move the hand upwards and slightly outwards while keeping both hands parallel.
- Repeat this motion a couple of times to emphasize the idea of transportation.
This sign is suitable when discussing different modes of transportation or when specifically referring to the act of commuting through different means.
Informal Ways to Say Commute in ASL
Informal ASL settings often allow for more creative, colloquial, and dynamic expressions. Here are a couple of informal ways to sign “commute” in ASL:
1. Sign: DRIVE-TO-WORK
An informal way to talk about commuting in ASL is by combining the signs for “DRIVE” and “WORK.” This combination accurately expresses the action of driving to work during a commute:
- Sign “DRIVE” by extending both hands in front of you, palms facing down, and then mimic driving by moving both hands back and forth.
- Immediately transition to the sign for “WORK” by holding your dominant “5” handshape (all fingers extended and separated) near your forehead, then move it forward a couple of times.
This combination sign clearly conveys the context of commuting to work using a vehicle and can be considered informal but widely used in everyday conversations.
2. Sign: GO-AND-FRO
If you prefer a more figurative expression of commuting, the sign “GO-AND-FRO” might suit your needs. To perform this sign:
- With your dominant hand, make an “Open 5” handshape (palm facing down) and hold it in front of you.
- Mimic the motion of going back and forth by sharply moving your dominant hand in alternating forward-backward movements.
This expressive sign provides a visual representation of the act of commuting, making it ideal for casual conversations or storytelling.
Regional Variations
ASL, like spoken languages, can have regional variations. Although ASL is a nationwide language in the United States, some regional differences exist. When signing “commute” in ASL, regional variations may arise in certain areas. However, as “commute” is a widely understood concept, the signed variations are generally minor.
Note: When learning ASL, it’s important to consider the regional aspects and adapt accordingly if you encounter a different sign for “commute” in specific locations.
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing this comprehensive guide on how to say “commute” in ASL! You have learned both formal and informal ways to express this term, allowing you to comfortably discuss commuting in various situations. Remember to practice regularly and immerse yourself in the ASL community to strengthen your signing skills. Whether you use the standard sign “COMMUTE,” convey transportation through “TRANSPORT,” or opt for more informal expressions like “DRIVE-TO-WORK” or “GO-AND-FRO,” you are now equipped to confidently communicate about commuting in ASL. Enjoy your exciting journey of signing!
