When communicating in American Sign Language (ASL), it’s essential to know how to ask someone’s age. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways of asking “how old” in ASL, providing tips, examples, and addressing any regional variations if necessary. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Way
The formal way to ask someone’s age in ASL involves using the following sentence structure: “Your age, + you + age + what?” Let’s break it down:
1. Your Age: Begin by signing “YOUR” using an open palm facing the person you’re asking. Move your hand from the center of your body towards the person you are addressing.
2. You: Next, point your index finger directly at the person you are addressing. This sign is also called “INDEX POINT.” It signifies the individual you are asking the question to, making it clear whose age you are inquiring about.
3. Age: To sign “AGE,” touch the back of your extended left palm with the fingers of your right hand. Gently tap the back of your hand a couple of times.
4. What: Lastly, sign “WHAT” by forming a question mark shape using your middle finger. Hold the other fingers with the thumb. Bring your hand up towards your face, near your chin, and slightly tilt it from side to side.
Combine these steps, and you get the formal ASL phrase, “Your age, you, age, what?” Remember to maintain a friendly and inquisitive facial expression while signing to convey your intent in a warm and respectful manner.
Informal Way
For a more informal or casual approach, you can ask someone’s age in ASL using a simpler sentence structure. The informal way uses two signs: “AGE + YOU?” Let’s break it down:
1. Age: Start by signing “AGE” using the same technique mentioned earlier. Tap the back of your left hand with the fingers of your right hand.
2. You: Similar to the formal way, point your index finger directly at the person you are addressing to indicate that you are asking their age specifically.
With these two signs, you can now ask “AGE, YOU?” to inquire about someone’s age in an informal manner. Remember to keep a relaxed and friendly facial expression!
Tips for Asking “How Old” in ASL
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when asking someone’s age in ASL:
1. Maintain Eye Contact
While signing, it’s important to maintain eye contact with the person you are communicating with. It shows respect and engagement in the conversation.
2. Be Mindful of Cultural Differences
ASL is widely used in the United States and parts of Canada. However, different regions might have slight variations in signs or cultural norms. If you are in doubt, observe and learn from the local Deaf community to adapt your signing accordingly.
3. Use Facial Expressions
Facial expressions play a vital role in ASL as they convey tone, intensity, and emotion. When asking about someone’s age, maintain a warm, friendly, and curious facial expression to create a comfortable environment for conversation.
4. Practice and Learn from Others
The best way to improve your ASL skills is through practice. Seek opportunities to interact with Deaf individuals or join ASL meetup groups in your community. Learning from others and receiving feedback will help you refine your signing abilities.
Examples
Let’s take a look at a few examples of how to ask someone’s age in ASL:
Example 1:
Speaker A: YOUR AGE, YOU, AGE, WHAT?
Speaker B: (Responds with their age in ASL)
Example 2:
Speaker A: AGE, YOU?
Speaker B: (Responds with their age in ASL)
Conclusion
Knowing how to ask someone’s age in ASL effectively is a valuable skill for effective communication. By using the formal and informal phrases guide provided above, along with the essential tips and examples, you are well-equipped to initiate conversations about age in a respectful and inclusive manner.
Remember to practice regularly and engage with the Deaf community to enhance your ASL skills further. Enjoy your journey in learning this beautiful visual language!
