Learning American Sign Language (ASL) opens up a world of communication for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. If you’re looking to expand your ASL vocabulary, knowing how to express the concept of “early” is essential. In this guide, we will explore formal and informal ways to convey the meaning of “early” in ASL, as well as some tips and examples to help you solidify your understanding. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Early” in ASL
When communicating formally in ASL, it’s important to be precise and clear. Here are a few ways to express the concept of “early” in a formal setting:
- Sign: EARLY
The general sign for “early” is made by placing the fingerspelled letter “E” (thumb, index, and middle fingers extended) against your cheek, then sliding the hand down and away from your face. - Sign: BEFORE-TIME
Another formal way to indicate “early” is to use the sign for “before” followed by the sign for “time.” To sign “before,” place the flat palm of your non-dominant hand in front of your body, then move your dominant hand upwards and forwards, as if pushing something away. Next, sign “time” by tapping your non-dominant wrist with the index finger of your dominant hand.
Informal Ways to Say “Early” in ASL
Informal settings often allow for more flexibility and creativity in ASL. Here are a couple of informal ways to express “early” in ASL:
- Sign: MORNING
In informal contexts, you can use the sign for “morning” to imply “early.” To sign “morning,” make a cup with your dominant hand and move it from left to right in front of your body while keeping your hand angled downwards. - Sign: SUNRISE
Another informal way to convey the concept of “early” is to use the sign for “sunrise.” To sign “sunrise,” hold your non-dominant arm almost horizontally in front of your body with your palm facing down. Then, use your dominant hand’s index finger to draw an arc from low to high, symbolizing the rising sun.
Tips for Understanding Regional Variations
ASL, like any language, may have regional variations and dialects. While the signs mentioned above are widely used, it’s helpful to be aware of potential variations that might exist in different ASL communities. Here are a few tips to navigate regional differences:
- Attend ASL classes or workshops: Joining ASL classes or workshops led by experienced instructors from different regions can expose you to diverse signing styles and help you adapt to variations specific to certain areas.
- Engage with the ASL community online: Participating in online forums, social media groups, or virtual meetups with ASL users from various regions can provide valuable insights into regional variations and promote cultural exchange.
- Keep an open mind: Embrace the rich diversity within the ASL community and approach regional variations with curiosity and respect. Remember that language is ever-evolving, and regional differences contribute to its vibrancy.
Example: In some regions, the sign for “early” may involve moving the hand downward from the forehead instead of the cheek. This illustrates the dynamic nature of ASL within different communities.
Putting It All Together
Now that you have learned various ways to say “early” in ASL, let’s explore a few practical examples to reinforce your understanding:
- You can say “I wake up early every day” using the sign EARLY, followed by the signs for “I,” “wake up,” and “every day.”
- To express “I have an early appointment,” you can use the sign BEFORE-TIME, followed by the signs for “I,” “have,” and “appointment.”
- If you want to say “Let’s meet early in the morning,” you can combine the signs for “meet,” “EARLY,” and “morning.”
Remember that practice and exposure to different signing styles will greatly contribute to your proficiency in ASL. Consistently interacting with the deaf community and making an effort to attend ASL events or gatherings will strengthen your skills and help you become more comfortable using ASL in various contexts.
In conclusion, knowing how to say “early” in ASL allows you to express concepts of time and punctuality accurately. By familiarizing yourself with both formal and informal signs, understanding potential regional variations, and practicing frequently, you’ll become more adept at using ASL to communicate effectively.
