Rebekah Shannon
American Sign Language (ASL) is a beautiful and expressive visual language that allows people to communicate through hand movements, facial expressions, and body language. In ASL, conveying the concept of “hurry” can be done in various ways depending on the level of formality. Whether you’re asking someone to hurry up informally or trying to convey urgency in a more formal setting, the signs below will help you express yourself effectively. Let’s explore different ways to say “hurry” in ASL!
Informal Ways to Say “Hurry” in ASL
Informal signs are commonly used among friends, family members, or in casual situations. When you want to tell someone to hurry up in an informal way, you can use signs like:
1. Quick
To convey the concept of “hurry” in an informal manner, you can use the sign for “quick.” Extend your dominant hand with fingers slightly apart and move it forward quickly, as if you were pushing something away in a brisk motion.
For emphasis, you can increase the speed and intensity of the sign, as well as add a facial expression that portrays urgency.
2. Fast
Another commonly used informal sign for “hurry” is the sign for “fast.” With your dominant hand in a flat handshape and palm facing down, move your hand forward quickly and smoothly in a straight line.
You can vary the intensity of the sign by adjusting the speed and adding furrowed eyebrows or a look of haste on your face.
Formal Ways to Say “Hurry” in ASL
In more formal situations or when addressing someone with respect, it’s important to use appropriate signs to convey “hurry.” Here are some formal alternatives:
1. Expedite
When you want to formally ask someone to hurry up, the sign for “expedite” is an appropriate choice. To sign “expedite,” hold your dominant hand up, palm facing your body and fingers slightly bent. Move your hand forward with a quick, deliberate motion.
Maintain a serious facial expression to convey the urgency in a respectful manner.
2. Urgent
The sign for “urgent” can be used to convey the need for someone to hurry in a formal setting. Place your dominant hand near your chest with fingers extended and pointing upward. Move your hand quickly and sharply in an upward motion, ending with your fingers extended forward.
Remember to maintain a composed expression while signing “urgent” to maintain formality.
Tips for Expressing “Hurry” in ASL
Here are some tips to effectively express the concept of “hurry” in ASL:
1. Facial Expression
Expressing urgency not only relies on hand movements but also on your facial expressions. Make sure your face reflects the appropriate level of urgency based on the context and your relationship with the person you are signing to.
2. Speed and Intensity
Adjust the speed and intensity of your signs to match the urgency you want to convey. Faster movements and sharper gestures can enhance the message of “hurry” in both formal and informal contexts.
3. Practice and Context
Like any language, ASL requires practice to become comfortable and fluent. Familiarize yourself with different signs for “hurry” and practice using them in relevant situations. Remember, proper interpretation is as much about context as it is about the signs themselves.
Examples of Using “Hurry” in ASL
Let’s look at some examples of how to sign “hurry” in different contexts:
Informal Example:
Person A: “Hey, we’re running late! Quick, grab your bag!” Person B: [Uses the sign for “quick” with swift hand movement and urgency]
Formal Example:
Boss: “We have to finish this project by the end of the day. Expedite the process, please.” Employee: [Signing “expedite” with a serious expression and firm hand movement]
Regional Variations
ASL has some regional variations that may influence the signs used for “hurry.” It’s essential to remember that sign languages can vary from place to place, just like spoken languages. However, the signs shared in this guide are widely understood and used in American Sign Language.
If you encounter a regional variation, the best approach is to adapt and learn from the local signing community. Embrace the diversity of sign languages and the unique expressions found within them.
Conclusion
Expressing the concept of “hurry” in ASL requires understanding the appropriate signs for different contexts. By using the informal signs such as “quick” or “fast” in casual situations and the more formal signs like “expedite” or “urgent” in professional settings, you can effectively communicate the need for urgency. Remember to consider your facial expressions, speed, and intensity while signing to convey the desired level of urgency. With practice, you’ll become more confident in using the signs for “hurry” in ASL and effectively communicate your message.
