Patrick Brody
In American Sign Language (ASL), communication is primarily visual and involves the use of gestures, facial expressions, and body language. When it comes to expressing the concept of “graduated” in ASL, there are multiple signs and variations depending on formality, regional influences, and personal preference. In this guide, we will explore various ways to convey the idea of graduating, both formally and informally, in ASL.
Formal Ways to Say “Graduated” in ASL
1. The most commonly accepted formal sign for “graduated” in ASL is performed by combining the signs for “school” and “finish.” Here’s how to do it:
To sign “graduated” formally in ASL:
- Extend your dominant hand with all fingers slightly spread.
- Touch your chest with the fingertips of your dominant hand in a slightly downward motion.
By combining the signs for “school” and “finish,” you visually represent the concept of completing one’s education.
2. Another formal way to express “graduated” in ASL is by signing “school” and then the number of years completed, followed by the sign for “finish.” For example, if you completed four years of school, you would sign it as:
To sign “I graduated after four years of school” formally in ASL:
- Sign “school” by holding your non-dominant hand in a flat position, palm facing up, and tapping it lightly with the “C” handshape of your dominant hand.
- Show the number “4” by holding up your dominant hand with your index, middle, ring, and pinky fingers extended.
- Complete the sign by performing the sign for “finish,” as described in the previous method.
This method allows you to specify the duration of your education before graduating.
Informal Ways to Say “Graduated” in ASL
1. Informally, you can sign “finished” or “done” using the sign for “done” to convey the concept of graduating. Here’s how:
To sign “graduated” informally in ASL:
- Extend your dominant hand with all fingers slightly spread.
- Touch your chin or the tip of your nose lightly with your fingertips.
This informal sign indicates completion or being done with something, which aligns with the idea of graduating.
Regional Variations
ASL, like any language, can have regional variations in signs and expressions. While the signs described above are commonly used across regions, there might be slight variations in specific communities. It’s always important to be aware of and adapt to local customs and preferences when communicating in ASL.
For example, some regional variations might include using a different movement or handshape to represent “school” or “finish.” These variations can add nuance and personal style to your signing but may not drastically change the meaning of “graduated.” If you’re in doubt, observe the signing styles used within your local Deaf community and consult with fluent ASL users for guidance.
Tips and Examples
When expressing the concept of “graduated” in ASL, here are some additional tips and examples to keep in mind:
- Ensure clarity: Just like in spoken languages, clear communication is essential in ASL. Focus on using distinct gestures and expressions to convey your message.
- Facial expressions matter: ASL relies heavily on facial expressions to convey emotions and nuances. Use appropriate facial expressions while signing “graduated” to add meaning to your message.
- Modify signing space: Adjust the signing space based on the context and available space. Make sure your signing is visible to the intended audience.
- Practice makes perfect: As with any language, practice is crucial for improving your signing skills. Engage in conversations with Deaf individuals or other ASL learners to refine your signing of “graduated.”
Example conversation:
Person A: I’m so excited! I finally graduated from college!
Person B: Congratulations! How many years did it take you?
Person A: It took me four years to graduate, but it was worth it!
By following these tips and utilizing the provided examples, you’ll be well-prepared to effectively communicate the idea of “graduated” in ASL.
