Greetings! If you’re looking to learn how to express your age in American Sign Language (ASL), you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re conversing in a formal or informal setting, properly conveying your age is an important part of communication. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find tips, examples, and variations on how to express your age in ASL.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say How Old You Are in ASL
In formal situations, such as interviews, presentations, or professional conversations, it’s important to use appropriate language and gestures. Here are a few ways to express your age formally in ASL:
1. Age + “I am”
One of the simplest and most direct ways to say your age in ASL is by combining your age number with the phrase “I am.” For example, if you are 25 years old, you would sign “25” followed by the sign for “I am.” In ASL, numbers are represented using specific handshapes and movements, so it’s important to practice them accurately.
Example: [Signing: 25, I am] – This means “I am 25 years old” in ASL.
2. Age + “I have”
Another formal way to express your age is by using the phrase “I have” followed by your age number. This construction emphasizes possession and can be a polite way of indicating your age in ASL.
Example: [Signing: I have, 25] – This translates to “I have 25 years” in ASL.
3. Age + Time + “I am”
In some formal situations, you may want to include the word “year” after stating your age. To do this, simply sign the number representing your age, the sign for “time” (wrist twisting), and then follow it with “I am.”
Example: [Signing: 25, time, I am] – This means “I am 25 years old” in ASL.
Informal Ways to Say How Old You Are in ASL
Informal conversations between friends, family, or peers can embrace a more relaxed and casual approach. Here are some informal ways to express your age in ASL:
1. Classic “Age”
In informal settings, simply stating the number that represents your age is often sufficient. This informal approach is akin to sharing your age in a conversation without any additional context or phrases.
Example: [Signing: 30] – This means “I am 30 years old” in ASL, assuming the topic of conversation is already established.
2. Age + “Really”
Adding the sign for “really” after stating your age can emphasize the importance or significance of your age. This can be used humorously or to underscore a particular milestone.
Example: [Signing: 40, really] – This translates to “I am really 40 years old” in ASL.
3. Age + “Still”
When wanting to express surprise or disbelief about your age (for example, looking younger than you are), you can use the sign for “still” after stating your age.
Example: [Signing: 50, still] – This means “I am still 50 years old” in ASL.
Variations in Regional ASL
While the basics of expressing age in ASL remain consistent across different regions, there might be slight variations or preferences in specific signs or phrasing. Here are a few examples of regional variations:
1. Regional Variation: “Time”
In some regions, the sign for “time” (wrist twisting) may be replaced with a single wrist tap on the non-dominant forearm.
Example: [Signing: 25, tap on the non-dominant forearm, I am] – This means “I am 25 years old” in ASL with regional variation for “time.”
2. Regional Variation: Direction of Movement
In different regions, there may be variations in the direction of movement when signing certain age numbers. It’s essential to observe and adapt to the signing patterns of the local Deaf community.
Example: In some regions, the sign for “20” may be signed from left to right instead of right to left.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now learned several ways to express your age in ASL, both formally and informally. Remember to adapt your signing style, phrasing, and gestures based on the setting and the people with whom you’re communicating. By practicing these different methods and understanding potential regional variations, you’ll enhance your ASL skills and effectively express your age in any situation. Keep signing, learning, and connecting with the vibrant Deaf community.
