American Sign Language (ASL) is a rich and expressive language used primarily by the Deaf community in the United States. Like any spoken language, ASL has its own grammar and vocabulary. One common phrase often used in everyday conversations is “going to.” In this guide, we will explore various ways to express the concept of “going to” in ASL, including formal and informal variations. We will also touch upon any regional variations that may exist.
1. Formal Ways to Say “Going to” in ASL:
If you’re looking to convey a formal tone when using ASL, you can use the following signs:
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1.1. The Sign for “Will”
To express the future tense of “going to” in a formal setting, you can use the ASL sign for “will.” This sign consists of extending your dominant hand forward with your thumb resting on your palm and your fingers slightly curved. Move your hand in an upward arc from your mouth to indicate the future direction.
Example: If you want to say, “I will go to the store,” you would sign “I, WILL, STORE, GO.”
1.2. The Sign for “Intend”
Another formal way of expressing “going to” in ASL is by using the sign for “intend.” For this sign, you would use your dominant hand and form a fist with your thumb extending upwards. Place the fist on your chest and move it forward in the direction of your intended destination.
Example: To say, “He intends to visit his grandparents,” you would sign “HE, INTEND, GRANDPARENTS, VISIT.”
2. Informal Ways to Say “Going to” in ASL:
If you’re in a casual or informal setting, you have more flexibility in how you express the concept of “going to.” Here are a couple of commonly used signs:
2.1. The Sign for “Gonna”
“Gonna” is a popular informal way of saying “going to” in ASL. To make this sign, use your dominant hand to form a loose fist with your thumb extending upwards. Tap your thumb against your opposite shoulder, indicating the direction of your destination.
Example: To say, “I’m gonna grab a coffee,” you would sign “I, GONNA, COFFEE, GRAB.”
2.2. The Sign for “Plan”
Using the sign for “plan” is another informal way to convey the idea of “going to.” To sign this, place your dominant hand in front of your chest, palm facing downwards with your index finger pointing forward. Make a small circular motion to indicate the plan in a casual manner.
Example: To convey, “We plan to go hiking tomorrow,” you would sign “WE, PLAN, TOMORROW, HIKE.”
3. Regional Variations:
While ASL is a unified language across most regions in the U.S., there might be some slight variations in how signs are performed across different communities or states. It’s important to note that these variations are typically minimal and don’t affect overall understanding. However, if you are part of a specific Deaf community, it’s always helpful to learn and use the signs commonly used in your region.
4. Useful Tips for Expressing “Going to” in ASL:
- Practice facial expressions: Facial expressions play a vital role in conveying meaning in ASL. Ensure that your facial expressions match the context of your sentence, especially when discussing future events.
- Gesture towards your destination: Pointing or gesturing towards your intended destination can help clarify your message and make it more visually understandable.
- Use body movement: Incorporating appropriate body movement can enhance your signing and make it more engaging.
Summary:
In conclusion, expressing the concept of “going to” in ASL can be done in both formal and informal ways. In formal settings, you can use signs like “will” or “intend,” while in more casual conversations, signs like “gonna” or “plan” are commonly used. Remember to consider regional variations if applicable and always pay attention to facial expressions, gestures, and body movements to convey your message effectively.
By familiarizing yourself with these signs and practicing them in different contexts, you’ll enhance your ability to express future actions in ASL fluently. ASL is a beautiful and expressive language, and by mastering its grammar and vocabulary, you can effectively communicate with the vibrant Deaf community.
