Are you interested in celebrating the New Year through sign language? Learning how to say “Happy New Year” in American Sign Language (ASL) can be a wonderful way to communicate your wishes to deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with formal and informal ways to express your New Year greetings in ASL, along with tips, examples, and a touch of regional variation where applicable.
Table of Contents
Formal Way to Say “Happy New Year” in ASL
When expressing the formal greetings for the New Year in ASL, you can use the following sign:
Movement: Hold your open hands out in front of you, palms facing upwards, and cross your wrists so that your right hand is closer to the left side of your body while your left hand is closer to the right side of your body. Then, unfold your hands and extend your arms up and out diagonally.
Facial Expression: Wear a warm smile to convey the joyful and celebratory spirit of New Year’s greetings.
Remember to maintain eye contact while signing and use a gentle tone to engage effectively with the individual you are communicating with. Now let’s explore a more informal way to say “Happy New Year” in ASL.
Informal Way to Say “Happy New Year” in ASL
If you prefer a more casual approach when wishing someone “Happy New Year,” try this sign:
Movement: Hold your open hand in front of your mouth and flick your fingers outwards, followed by opening your hand into a flat palm position and moving it away from your mouth, towards the person you are signing to.
Facial Expression: Like the formal way, maintain a warm smile to convey a positive and cheerful tone to your greeting.
Tips and Examples
When signing “Happy New Year” in ASL, keep the following tips in mind to enhance your communication:
- Practice the signs regularly to build confidence and fluency.
- Ensure your signs are clear and visible by positioning your hands correctly.
- Use appropriate facial expressions to convey the emotions associated with the greeting.
- Be mindful of the speed of your signing, keeping it at a moderate pace for better understanding.
Here are a few examples of how to incorporate “Happy New Year” into sentences:
“I hope the coming year brings you joy and success. Happy New Year!”
“Wishing you health, happiness, and prosperity in the New Year. Happy New Year!”
Remember to personalize your greetings based on your relationship with the person you are signing to. Now, let’s dive into some regional variations of signing “Happy New Year” in ASL.
Regional Variations in Signing “Happy New Year” in ASL
ASL is used throughout the United States, and while there can be some regional variations in signs, they are not significant for saying “Happy New Year.” ASL has become standardized over time, allowing for effective communication between signers across the country.
However, to fully embrace the spirit of the New Year, it’s important to learn about deaf and hard-of-hearing cultures in different regions. This knowledge can enhance your overall understanding of sign language and the Deaf community’s richness in various parts of the country.
Remember, regardless of regional variation, the essence of “Happy New Year” remains the same in ASL, as it signals a time of celebration, hope, and well-wishes for the year to come.
Now you have the knowledge to confidently sign “Happy New Year” in both formal and informal settings using ASL. Spread the joy of the holiday season by sharing your well wishes with deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in their preferred language. Sign, smile, and embrace the excitement of a brand new year!
Remember, practice makes perfect, so take your time to master these signs. Happy signing and a very Happy New Year to you!
