Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “have” in American Sign Language (ASL)! Whether you are a beginner learning ASL or an experienced signer looking to expand your vocabulary, this guide will provide you with the formal and informal ways to express the concept of “have” in ASL. We’ll also include some useful tips, examples, and variations to enhance your understanding. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Have” in ASL
When using ASL in formal settings, it’s important to follow the proper grammatical structure. Here are a few formal ways to express the concept of “have” in ASL:
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Signing “Possess” or “Own”: One way to convey the meaning of “have” is by signing “possess” or “own.” Start by extending your dominant hand with palm facing up in front of your chest. Then, using your non-dominant hand, point your index finger to your dominant palm as if indicating possession. This sign emphasizes ownership or possession of something.
Example: Imagine you are saying, “I have a car.” You would sign “I,” then transition to signing “possess” or “own” by pointing to your open palm, followed by signing “car.”
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Signing “Hold” or “Carry”: Another formal way to express “have” is by using the sign “hold” or “carry.” This sign signifies physically holding or carrying an object. To sign “hold,” place your non-dominant hand in front of you, palm facing up and slightly cupped. Then, with your dominant hand, mimic holding or cradling an object within your non-dominant hand.
Example: Suppose you want to say, “She has a book.” Begin by signing “she,” then transition to signing “hold” or “carry” by demonstrating holding an imaginary book in your dominant hand, followed by signing “book.”
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Signing “There is/are”: In certain cases, you can convey the concept of “have” in a formal manner by using the phrase “there is/are.” This sign is useful when describing the existence of something or someone. To sign “there is/are,” extend your non-dominant hand in front of you with palm facing up. Then, with your dominant hand, use your index finger to point down towards the palm of your non-dominant hand.
Example: Let’s say you want to say, “They have a cat.” Begin by signing “they,” then move on to signing “there is/are” by pointing your index finger down towards your non-dominant palm, followed by signing “cat.”
Informal Ways to Say “Have” in ASL
ASL is a dynamic and expressive language, allowing for various informal ways to convey the concept of “have.” Here are a few informal signs for “have” that are commonly used:
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Signing “Got”: One informal way to say “have” in ASL is by using the sign “got.” This sign represents possession or acquisition of something. To sign “got,” extend your dominant hand with palm facing up, fingers slightly spread apart, and then bring your thumb to touch your fingertips twice. It mimics the action of acquiring or grasping something.
Example: Suppose you want to say, “I’ve got a new phone.” Begin by signing “I,” then transition to signing “got” using the described motion, followed by signing “new” and “phone.”
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Signing “Hold-Up” or “Keep”: Another informal way to express “have” in ASL is by using the signs “hold-up” or “keep.” These signs indicate temporary possession or keeping an item for a specific duration. To sign “hold-up,” extend your dominant hand with palm facing up and slightly cupped. Then, with your non-dominant hand, place your fingertips on the palm of your dominant hand and slide it up towards your fingers.
Example: Let’s say you want to say, “We have concert tickets.” Start by signing “we,” followed by signing “hold-up” using the described motion, and then sign “concert” and “tickets.”
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Signing “Gotcha”: “Gotcha” is commonly used in informal settings to express possession or understanding. To sign “gotcha,” extend your dominant hand towards your non-dominant side with palm facing slightly inward. Then, while keeping your hand shape, move it back towards your dominant side.
Example: Suppose you want to say, “I have what you need.” Begin by signing “I,” then transition to signing “gotcha” using the described motion, followed by signing “what” and “you need.”
Variations in Regional ASL
While ASL has a universal foundation, regional variations and dialects may exist. Here are a few regional variations of how to say “have” in ASL:
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Use of “Got” in Certain Regions: In some regions, signers may prefer using the sign “got” more frequently as an informal way to express “have.” This variation is more commonly observed in specific areas and should be used accordingly.
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Different Sign Modifications: Depending on the region, there might be slight variations in the sign modifications used when expressing “have.” These variations may include handshape differences, speed, or additional movements accompanying the primary sign.
Remember, it’s advisable to consult local ASL resources or interact with members of the Deaf community from different regions to gain a more comprehensive understanding of regional variations.
Now armed with formal and informal ways to say “have” in ASL, along with regional considerations, you can enrich your communication skills and enhance your ASL vocabulary. Practice regularly, immerse yourself in the language, and embrace the beautiful world of ASL!
