How to Say “End” in American Sign Language (ASL): Formal and Informal Ways

American Sign Language (ASL) is a beautiful visual language used by the Deaf community in the United States and parts of Canada. It is a rich and expressive language that relies on hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning. In this guide, we will explore how to say the word “end” in ASL, both formally and informally.

Formal Way to Say “End” in ASL

In formal ASL, the sign for “end” is performed using a specific handshape and motion. Follow these steps to sign “end” formally:

1. Hold your dominant hand up, palm facing you, fingers together and extended.
2. Slowly bend your fingers inward and bring them to touch the palm of your hand.
3. As you close your hand, slightly tilt it downward.
4. Hold this position for a moment to indicate the completion or termination of something.
5. Optionally, you can accompany the sign with a facial expression that reflects the sense of finality or closure.

When using this formal sign for “end” in ASL, it is essential to maintain clarity and precision in your hand movements. Practice the sign slowly and with deliberate motions until you feel comfortable and confident in its execution.

Informal Way to Say “End” in ASL

Informal ASL, often utilized in everyday conversations among members of the Deaf community, may feature slight variations in sign usage. While the formal sign described above is recognized and understood, informally, you may encounter regional variations or adaptations. However, it is crucial to note that these variations do not compromise the overall understanding of the sign.

Informal signs may be shorter or utilize less distinct motions. Some examples of informal signs for “end” in ASL might include:

1. Touching the fingertips of your dominant hand to the palm briefly, without tilting it downward.
2. Tapping the fingertips of one hand against the palm of the other hand once.
3. Closing your dominant hand into a loose fist and briefly shaking it.

Remember, these informal variations are generally understood within the ASL community, but it is always best to adapt to the signing style of the person or group you are communicating with to ensure effective communication.

Tips and Examples

Here are some additional tips and examples to help you incorporate the sign for “end” into your ASL vocabulary:

Tips:

• Practice speaking in ASL using a mirror to observe your hand movements and facial expressions.
• Attend ASL classes or workshops to interact with fluent signers and enhance your understanding of the language.
• Join online ASL communities or video chat with Deaf individuals to practice your signing skills and learn regional variations.
• Take advantage of ASL dictionaries or instructional videos available online to expand your knowledge of signs and their meanings.

Examples:

Let’s explore a few examples of how to use the sign for “end” in everyday phrases:

1. “That’s the end of the movie.” – When watching a movie with a Deaf friend, you can sign “end” to indicate that the film is over.
2. “Let’s put an end to this argument.” – Use the sign for “end” with appropriate facial expressions to express the desire to resolve a dispute.
3. “This is the end of the road.” – Sign “end” to convey that you have reached a point where further progress is not possible.
4. “Please tell me when this event will end.” – Use the sign for “end” while asking for the duration of an ongoing event.