Gaining proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) is an exciting journey that allows you to connect and communicate with the vibrant Deaf community. Learning how to ask someone’s age is a fundamental step in any language acquisition process. Whether you want to have a formal conversation or engage in a more informal setting, we’ll guide you through the different ways of asking “How old are you?” in ASL. We’ll also explore regional variations if applicable. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Ask:
When engaging in more formal situations, such as talking to elders, teachers, or people you don’t know well, it’s important to use appropriate language and signs. Here are a few formal ways to ask someone’s age in ASL:
1. How old are you?
The most straightforward and widely used question for asking someone’s age is the phrase “How old are you?” In ASL, you can sign it as follows:
How – Start with your dominant hand extended, palm facing up, and your non-dominant hand touching the top of your elbow. Move your dominant hand forward, keeping the palm facing up and fingers slightly bent.
Old – Keep both hands in front of you, fingers pointed up, and palms facing your body. Move your hands up and down to represent something that has been around for a long time.
Are you – Raise your eyebrows slightly and tilt your head forward while signing “are you.” Use a gentle nodding motion with your dominant hand’s index finger extended slightly above your non-dominant hand, palm facing up.
2. May I ask your age, please?
If you want to show additional politeness and respect, especially when talking to someone significantly older or in a formal setting, you can use the phrase “May I ask your age, please?”. In ASL, you can sign it as follows:
May I – Extend your dominant hand outward, palm up, and bring it closer to your body while closing your fingers slightly.
Ask – With your dominant hand in a closed fist, extend your thumb and index finger, pointing towards your chest and then moving it slightly forward.
Your age – First, sign “your” by touching your chest with the thumb of your dominant hand and twisting it once. Then, sign “age” by touching your cheek with your dominant hand’s fingertips and moving your hand forward while tilting your head slightly.
Please – Extend your dominant hand, palm facing up, and move it in small clockwise circles.
Informal Ways to Ask:
In casual conversations or when talking to peers and friends, you can utilize more informal signs and expressions to ask someone’s age. This creates a relaxed atmosphere and allows for a friendlier interaction. Here are a couple of informal ways to ask someone’s age in ASL:
1. What’s your age?
A common informal way to ask someone’s age is by using the phrase “What’s your age?”. In ASL, you can sign it as follows:
What’s – Hold your open palms pointing towards each other, then move them forward and slightly away from each other.
Your age – Use the same signs for “your age” as explained in the formal section above. Touch your chest to represent “your” and then touch your cheek while moving your hand forward to represent “age.”
2. How many years old are you?
Another informal way to ask someone’s age is by using the question “How many years old are you?”. In ASL, you can sign it as follows:
How many years – Hold out your open hands, palms facing up, slightly apart from each other. Shake your hands back and forth while signing “how many years.”
Old are you – Use the same signs for “old” and “are you” as explained in the formal section above.
Regional Variations
Since ASL is a vibrant language with regional influences, there may be variations in signs used to ask someone’s age across different communities. However, the core concepts and signs discussed above are widely understood and used throughout most ASL communities. It’s always beneficial to expose yourself to various signing styles and regional signs to enhance your understanding and adaptability within the Deaf community.
Additional Tips:
- Remember to maintain eye contact while signing, as it is essential for effective communication in ASL.
- Use facial expressions, nodding, and other appropriate non-manual markers to convey your question in a clear and understandable manner.
- If unsure, don’t hesitate to ask a Deaf person or a qualified ASL instructor for feedback on your signing skills.
- Practice regularly with native signers to improve your fluency and comfort level when asking questions in ASL.
Conclusion
Asking someone’s age is a common social interaction across all cultures, and ASL provides a visually expressive way to communicate this inquiry. Whether you are aiming for a formal or informal conversation, using the appropriate signs and phrases is crucial for effective communication in ASL. Remember to always be respectful, maintain eye contact, and embrace the opportunity to connect with the Deaf community. Sign on and enjoy your ASL journey!
