How to Say Express in ASL: A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “express” in American Sign Language (ASL). In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express this concept. While regional variations may exist, we will primarily focus on commonly used signs in ASL. By the end, you will have a strong understanding of how to convey “express” in ASL.

Formal Ways to Say “Express” in ASL

When using ASL in a formal context, such as in educational settings or professional environments, you can utilize signs that convey the specific meaning of “express.” Here are a few common signs:

1. Sign: Express (Verb)
   This sign involves using both hands in a symmetrical motion. Start by extending your dominant hand in front of your non-dominant hand, palms facing down. Then, move your dominant hand upwards while keeping your non-dominant hand stationary. This sign signifies the act of expressing something.
2. Sign: Communicate
   To convey “express” in a more general sense of communication, you can use the sign for “communicate.” This sign involves bringing your fingers together in a relaxed “C” shape, palms facing each other, and moving your hands back and forth a couple of times.
3. Sign: Articulate
   Another way to express “express” in a formal context is by using the sign for “articulate.” This sign is made by extending both index fingers and touching them together a couple of times while moving them slightly apart.

Informal Ways to Say “Express” in ASL

In informal situations, such as when communicating with friends or family, you can use less formal signs to express the concept of “express.” Here are a few commonly used signs:

1. Sign: Show (Verb)
   This sign involves extending both hands in front of you, palms facing down, and moving them outward while keeping your fingers slightly apart. This sign is often used to convey the idea of “showing” or “expressing” something.
2. Sign: Tell
   When you want to say “express” in a more casual way, you can use the sign for “tell.” This sign is made by forming an “L” shape with your non-dominant hand, placing the tip of your dominant index finger on your non-dominant hand, and moving your finger forward a couple of times.
3. Sign: Share
   Another informal way to express the concept of “express” is by using the sign for “share.” This sign is done by bringing both hands together in a relaxed “C” shape, palms facing each other, and moving your hands apart while wiggling your fingers a couple of times.

Regional Variations

While ASL is a standardized language, some regional variations may exist. These variations can affect how “express” is conveyed, particularly in specific signing communities. If you are learning ASL within a specific region, it is always beneficial to consult with local resources or individuals fluent in that particular signing community to understand any regional variations in signing “express.”

Tips and Examples

Here are some additional tips and examples to help you effectively communicate “express” in ASL:

Tip 1: Pay attention to facial expressions and body language when signing “express” in ASL. These non-manual signals are essential for conveying the intended meaning and expressing emotions effectively.

Example: Suppose you want to express your excitement about a recent achievement. You can sign “express” with a big smile, wide eyes, and animated body movements to convey your enthusiasm.

Tip 2: Practice fingerspelling when necessary. If there is no specific sign for a word related to “express,” you can fingerspell the word to convey its meaning accurately.

Example: If you want to express the word “empathy” in ASL, you can fingerspell the letters E-M-P-A-T-H-Y to ensure clear understanding.

Tip 3: Study and observe fluent ASL speakers. By watching videos or interacting with individuals fluent in ASL, you can learn various signing styles and regional variations, helping you enhance your signing skills.

Example: Find online resources, join ASL communities, or attend ASL events to immerse yourself in the language and gain exposure to different signing styles.

By following these tips and using the appropriate signs, you can confidently express yourself in ASL.

Remember, practice and exposure are key to mastering any language, including ASL. Keep learning, interacting with the Deaf community, and refining your signing skills to become a proficient ASL communicator.

We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with valuable insights on how to say “express” in ASL. Happy signing!