Welcome to our guide on how to greet someone in American Sign Language (ASL)! Whether you want to say hello to a friend, a colleague, or a new acquaintance, knowing how to sign “Hi, how are you?” is a great way to initiate a conversation. In this guide, we will cover both the formal and informal ways of expressing this greeting in ASL. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Greeting
When addressing someone in a formal setting, such as a business meeting, job interview, or meeting someone senior to you, it’s essential to use appropriate signs and gestures. Here’s how you can sign “Hi, how are you?” formally in ASL:
- Greeting: Begin by making eye contact and giving a warm smile.
- Hello: Raise your dominant hand, palm facing outward, and bring it up to your forehead. Your fingers should be slightly bent. This sign reflects a respectful acknowledgment.
- How: Extend your non-dominant hand palm up, fingers slightly apart. With your dominant hand, gently tap your fingertips on the center of your non-dominant palm. This sign indicates inquiring about the person’s well-being.
- Are: Use the sign for “are” by placing your dominant hand open, palm up, near your chest. Then, make slight circular motions with your hand, moving it forward and backward a couple of times.
- You: Point your index finger toward the person you are addressing while keeping your other fingers relaxed. This sign signifies referring to the individual.
Remember to maintain a welcoming facial expression throughout your signing, which will help convey your warm intentions.
Informal Greeting
When interacting with friends, family members, or individuals in casual settings, you can take a more relaxed approach to signing “Hi, how are you?”. Here’s how to do it informally:
- Greeting: Begin by making eye contact and offering a friendly smile.
- Hi: Raise your dominant hand, palm facing inward, and bring it up to about chest level. Wiggle your fingers slightly. This sign represents a more casual and cheerful “hi.”
- How: Extend your non-dominant hand palm up, fingers slightly apart. With your dominant hand, gently tap your fingertips on the center of your non-dominant palm, just as in the formal version.
- Are: Use the same sign described in the formal greeting. Feel free to be more relaxed with the circular motion.
- You: Point your index finger towards the person, just as in the formal version.
While the formal and informal greetings differ slightly, both convey a warm and friendly manner.
Tips and Examples
To help you master this greeting, here are some additional tips and examples:
Tip: Facial expressions are crucial in ASL. Ensure your face expresses the appropriate emotion associated with the greeting, such as warmth, kindness, and interest. It helps set the tone for the conversation.
Examples:
Example 1: Picture yourself in a formal setting where you meet a potential employer. Sign “Hello” by raising your hand to your forehead, then sign “How” by tapping your non-dominant palm with your dominant hand’s fingertips. Next, sign “Are” with circular movements, and finally, point toward the person while signing “You.”
Example 2: Imagine running into a close friend on the street. Sign a more casual “Hi” by raising your hand to about chest level and wiggling your fingers. Then proceed with “How,” “Are,” and “You” by following the steps outlined in the informal greeting section.
Example 3: Think of greeting a family member at a gathering. Use the informal “Hi” sign, followed by “How,” “Are,” and “You” signs. Your relaxed approach will convey warmth and familiarity.
Regional Variations
ASL has regional variations, just like spoken languages. However, the signs for “Hi, how are you?” do not significantly differ across regions. ASL has achieved a certain level of standardization, allowing individuals across different regions to communicate effectively using the language. Therefore, you can confidently use the signs provided in this guide.
Remember, practice is essential when learning any new language, including ASL. The more you practice, the more natural and fluent you will become. Enjoy the process of learning sign language, and embrace the opportunity to connect with the Deaf community and others who use ASL as their primary means of communication.
Best of luck learning how to greet someone in ASL, and have many enriching conversations ahead!
