How to Say Heights in American Sign Language (ASL)

Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to express heights in American Sign Language (ASL). Whether you’re a beginner or already familiar with ASL, this guide will provide you with the formal and informal ways to communicate heights. While ASL maintains a universal core, there may be slight regional variations that we’ll touch upon if necessary. Read on for tips, examples, and everything you need to know!

Formal Expressions of Heights in ASL

When it comes to formally stating heights in ASL, it’s important to use clear and proper signing techniques. Here are some tips to help you:

1. Use cardinal numbers: For formal communications, sign the cardinal numbers to represent the full height in feet and inches. For example, if you want to express the height “6 feet 2 inches,” sign the numbers 6, 2, and the sign for “feet” between them.
2. Start with non-manual markers: Before signing the actual numbers, use appropriate facial expressions and body movements to indicate that you are about to convey a height measurement. This is crucial for clarity in ASL communication.
3. Sign “feet” and “inches” appropriately: To sign “feet” in ASL, hold your non-dominant hand palm-up, fingers together, and use your dominant hand’s index finger to tap the back of the non-dominant hand once. For “inches,” raise your dominant hand’s index finger and emphasize the height in a downward movement.

Let’s take an example to illustrate a formal expression of height:

Person A: “How tall are you?”
Person B: (facial expression indicating the start of measurement) “I am” (signs 6) “feet” (signs 2) “inches” (facial expression indicating completion of measurement).

Ensure you maintain a steady pace, smooth transitions between signs, and appropriate use of facial expressions when conveying heights in a more formal setting.

Informal Expressions of Heights in ASL

Informal situations allow for a more relaxed approach in expressing heights in ASL. Here are some tips to follow:

1. Use fingerspelling: In informal contexts, fingerspelling the actual numbers is commonly used. This allows for a quicker and more casual way to convey the height in ASL. For example, fingerspell “6,” then “2” to represent “6 feet 2 inches.”
2. Combine fingerspelling with non-manual markers: Though you can fingerspell the numbers, it’s still important to use appropriate facial expressions and body movements to indicate that you are providing a height measurement. This maintains clarity and comprehension in informal conversations.
3. Gesture to indicate height: In less formal situations, you can also use arm gestures to indicate the approximate height in relation to your own body. For example, you can hold your hand at shoulder level to indicate 6 feet, then raise your other hand to signify any additional inches.

Here’s an example of an informal conversation about height:

Person A: “How tall are you?”
Person B: (pointing to self) “I am” (fingerspells 6) “feet” (fingerspells 2) “inches” (facial expression indicating completion of measurement).

Remember to maintain a relaxed pace and incorporate appropriate body movements and facial expressions to convey heights effectively in informal settings.

Regional Variations

While ASL has a universal core, there may be slight regional variations in how height is expressed. These regional differences mainly revolve around specific signs used or the motion of conveying inches. In most cases, the formal and informal guidelines discussed above will be understood throughout the ASL community. However, if you are communicating with individuals from a specific region, it may be beneficial to familiarize yourself with any local variations.

To get more accurate information on specific regional variations, consider reaching out to local ASL communities or consulting ASL resources tailored to that particular area.

Now armed with these formal and informal expressions of height in ASL, you’ll be able to fluently communicate heights in various settings. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to practice with deaf individuals or join ASL classes to polish your signing skills. Enjoy your journey into the rich world of ASL communication!