When it comes to communicating with the deaf or hard of hearing community, American Sign Language (ASL) plays a crucial role. Understanding how to express different concepts in ASL is essential for effective communication. If you’re looking to learn how to say “degree” in ASL, this comprehensive guide will provide you with formal and informal ways, along with useful tips and examples.
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Formal Ways to Say Degree in ASL
1. The most commonly used formal sign for “degree” in ASL is accomplished by using the sign for “diploma” combined with the sign for “show.” To perform this sign, follow these steps:
Step 1: Start with your dominant hand in the “D” handshape by folding your thumb, index, and middle fingers down, while keeping your ring and pinky fingers extended.
Step 2: Bring your thumb, index, and middle fingers up slightly, remaining bent.
Step 3: While keeping your handshape, bring your dominant hand up near your face, close to your forehead.
Step 4: Finish the sign by extending your elbow out and bringing your hand down in a quick, sweeping motion, ending with your palm facing up.
This formal sign for “degree” in ASL is commonly used when discussing educational achievements, such as earning a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree.
Informal Ways to Say Degree in ASL
1. Informally, many ASL users refer to the concept of degrees by simply fingerspelling the word “degree.” Here’s how you can fingerspell “degree” in ASL:
Step 1: Hold your dominant hand up, palm facing outwards, fingers slightly apart, and relaxed.
Step 2: Starting with your index finger, sequentially touch your thumb to each finger while keeping them slightly spread.
Step 3: Repeat the finger movements to spell out “D-E-G-R-E-E.”
This informal fingerspelling method is commonly used in informal conversations or when the concept of a degree needs to be expressed quickly.
It’s important to note that regional variations in ASL signs may exist, but the formal and informal ways mentioned above are widely understood throughout the ASL community. However, if you encounter variations, it’s always best to defer to the preferences of the individual you are communicating with.
Tips for Learning ASL
1. Practice Consistently: Consistency is key when learning ASL. Regular practice will help you master signs and improve your fluency.
2. Find a Learning Partner: Pairing up with a fluent ASL user or a fellow learner can greatly enhance your learning experience. Practice conversations and ask for feedback to refine your signing skills.
3. Watch ASL Videos: Watching ASL videos, whether it’s instructional content or conversations, can expose you to different signing styles, facial expressions, and regional variations.
4. Attend ASL Classes or Workshops: Participating in formal ASL classes or workshops offers structured learning opportunities, feedback from instructors, and interaction with other learners.
Examples of Using “Degree” in ASL
1. Formal Use:
If you want to discuss the achievement of a specific degree, such as a Bachelor’s of Science, you can combine the formal sign for “degree” with the specific sign for “science” in ASL. Here’s how:
Step 1: Perform the formal sign for “degree” as described earlier, with your dominant hand near your forehead, extending your elbow, and sweeping your hand down with your palm up.
Step 2: Use your non-dominant hand to perform the sign for “science” in ASL. This sign is created by holding your non-dominant hand flat with your palm down and making a twisting motion with your forearm while keeping your handshape intact.
2. Informal Use:
If you’re having an informal conversation and need to mention the concept of a degree, you can fingerspell the word “degree” in ASL. For example, if discussing a friend’s academic accomplishments, you might say:
Person A: “I heard Sarah just earned her degree!”
Person B: “Yes, she got her D-E-G-R-E-E.” (fingerspells “degree” in ASL)
Remember to incorporate facial expressions, body language, and appropriate non-manual markers while signing to fully convey the meaning and tone of the conversation.
In conclusion, learning ASL opens up new avenues for effective communication with the deaf or hard of hearing community. Understanding how to say “degree” in ASL, both formally and informally, is valuable when discussing educational achievements or casually mentioning degrees in conversations. By following the provided signs, tips, and examples, you can enhance your ASL skills and promote inclusive communication.
