Learning American Sign Language (ASL) can be a rewarding and essential skill for effective communication within the Deaf community. Whether you want to express your current learning status in a formal or informal setting, understanding how to communicate “I am currently learning ASL” can be a great starting point. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways of conveying this message, provide tips and examples, and dive into regional variations if applicable.
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Formal Ways to Express “I Am Currently Learning ASL” in ASL
When using ASL in a more formal setting, such as in a classroom or during a presentation, here are a few ways to convey the message:
1. “I study ASL now.”
One way to express your current learning status is by signing “I study ASL now.” Here’s how:
First, sign “I”: Point your index finger toward yourself and touch your chest.
Next, sign “study”: Place your non-dominant hand palm-up in front of you, and with your dominant hand, point your index finger downward to tap several times on your non-dominant hand’s palm.
Finally, sign “ASL now”: With your dominant hand, fingerspells “ASL” (A-S-L) while using a forward motion, then sign “now” by bringing both of your hands together near your chest, palms facing inward, and moving them away from your body.
2. “I’m currently a student learning ASL.”
If you want to convey a more comprehensive message, you can sign “I’m currently a student learning ASL.” Here’s the breakdown:
First, sign “I”: Point your index finger toward yourself and touch your chest.
Next, sign “currently”: Point your non-dominant index finger up and your dominant index finger touches its tip to the non-dominant index finger, making a circular motion.
Then, sign “student”: With both hands, form the “5” handshape (open palm with fingers spread) near your temples, and move your hands slightly forward and down a couple of times.
Finally, sign “learning ASL”: Use both hands and form the letter “L” with your thumb extended resting on your palm, and the rest of your fingers closed. Place your non-dominant hand out in front of you and use your dominant hand in the “L” shape to make a repetitive tapping motion on the back of your non-dominant hand.
Informal Ways to Express “I Am Currently Learning ASL” in ASL
When engaging in a conversation with peers or friends in an informal setting, you may prefer a more casual way to convey your message:
1. “I’m learning ASL right now.”
A common way to express your current learning status in an informal context is by signing “I’m learning ASL right now.” Let’s break it down:
First, sign “I’m”: Point your index finger toward yourself and touch your chest while moving your hand slightly downward.
Next, sign “learning”: Make the sign for “learn” by placing your non-dominant hand palm up in front of you, and use your dominant index finger to make a slight tapping motion on the palm of your non-dominant hand a couple of times.
Finally, sign “ASL right now”: Sign “ASL” using fingerspelling (A-S-L) while moving your hand forward, then sign “right now” by pointing both your index fingers straight up and crossing them briefly in front of your body before returning them to their original position.
2. “I’m currently learning ASL.”
For a more specific statement, you can sign “I’m currently learning ASL” in an informal conversation. Here’s how:
First, sign “I’m”: Use the same sign as described in the previous example.
Next, sign “currently”: Employ the same sign as previously mentioned.
Then, sign “learning”: Use the same sign as described in the previous example.
Finally, sign “ASL”: Employ fingerspelling (A-S-L) while using a swift motion forward.
Additional Tips and Considerations
Regardless of whether you choose formal or informal signs to express your current learning status in ASL, here are a few extra tips and considerations to keep in mind:
- Practice Facial Expressions: Facial expressions play a vital role in conveying meaning and tone within ASL. Remember to maintain appropriate facial expressions that align with your message.
- Non-Manual Markers: ASL incorporates various non-manual markers, such as head tilts, facial movements, and body shifts, to enhance the meaning of signs. Pay attention to these nuances as you learn and use ASL.
- Be Mindful of Context: Consider the context and the individuals you are communicating with. Understanding your audience will help you choose the most appropriate way to express your current learning status in ASL.
Remember, learning ASL is a continual journey, and practice is key to becoming more fluent and confident. As you progress, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from certified ASL instructors and engage with the Deaf community to further enrich your skills. Celebrate every milestone and embrace the beauty of ASL as you navigate your way through learning this incredible language!
