In American Sign Language (ASL), expressing temperatures or degrees can be done using specific signs and gestures. Whether you want to discuss the weather or convey someone’s body temperature, knowing how to express degrees in ASL can be useful. This comprehensive guide will walk you through both formal and informal ways of signing degrees, provide tips and examples, and cover regional variations if applicable. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Degrees in ASL
When it comes to formal sign language conversations or situations, using appropriate and standardized signs is important. Here are some formal ways to express degrees in ASL:
#1 – Flat Hand Shape
Depending on the specific degree or temperature you want to convey, you can use different hand shapes. For most temperatures, use a flat hand shape with fingers slightly apart and thumb touching the side of the index finger. For example, if you want to sign “70 degrees,” form a flat hand shape and move your hand forward slightly.
#2 – Pointing to a Temperature Device
In formal situations, you can also point to a temperature-measuring device such as a thermometer or a digital temperature display. Point toward the device and then indicate the specific temperature by signing the corresponding number.
Informal Ways to Say Degrees in ASL
Informal situations or casual conversations allow for more flexibility and creativity in expressing degrees in ASL. Here are some informal ways to sign the temperature:
#1 – Using a Visual Representation
In informal situations, you can represent the temperature visually by mimicking the sun or snowflakes. For example, to convey a hot temperature, sign the ASL word for “sun” and then indicate the intensity of the heat by using exaggerated facial expressions.
#2 – Descriptive Signing
Another informal approach is to describe the temperature using ASL signs for related concepts. For instance, to convey a freezing temperature, you can sign “cold” and “ice” while using appropriate facial expressions and body language to emphasize the intensity of the cold.
Examples of Signing Degrees in ASL
Here are some examples to help you understand how to sign degrees of temperature in ASL:
Example 1:
To sign “80 degrees” formally in ASL, use a flat hand shape and move your hand forward while indicating the number 80. Remember to keep your fingers slightly apart and bring your hand back to the starting position after signing the specific temperature.
Example 2:
In an informal setting, when expressing a cold temperature like “20 degrees,” you can combine signs for “cold” and “ice.” Additionally, make sure to show shivering or use other appropriate body language and facial expressions to enhance the meaning.
Regional Variations
While ASL is a standardized sign language used throughout the United States, there might be slight regional variations in how degrees are signed in specific areas. It is always good to be aware of these variations when conversing with individuals from different regions. However, the formal and informal approaches discussed herein are widely understood and used across different ASL communities.
Tips for Communicating Degrees in ASL
When signing degrees in ASL, keep these tips in mind to ensure effective communication:
- Maintain eye contact with the person you’re conversing with.
- Use appropriate facial expressions and body language to convey the intensity of the temperature.
- Avoid signing degrees too quickly or abruptly. Maintain a smooth and fluid motion.
- Practice signing degrees in front of a mirror or with a fluent ASL speaker to improve your accuracy.
- Be aware of your hand shape and finger positioning as they can impact the clarity of your signing.
Remember, practice is key to becoming adept at signing degrees in ASL. As you continue learning and interacting with the ASL community, you will develop your own style and variations that suit your conversational needs. Enjoy the journey of expressing temperatures in a fascinating and visually rich language!
