Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to express the phrase “I am” in American Sign Language (ASL). Whether you’re just getting started with ASL or looking to expand your signing abilities, this guide will provide you with formal and informal ways to convey “I am” in ASL, along with helpful tips and examples. Remember, language is alive and constantly evolving, so while we primarily focus on the standard ASL used in the United States, there may be regional variations.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Context
Before diving into specific phrases, it is important to understand the context in which you would use the phrase “I am” in ASL. In English, “I am” typically introduces personal characteristics, emotions, professions, or identities. In ASL, each of these aspects has its own unique sign. Therefore, the phrase “I am” is frequently followed by a specific adjective, noun, or verb associated with the subject.
Formal Ways to Say “I am” in ASL
In formal settings or when communicating with individuals who are less familiar with ASL, it is important to use clear and standard signs. Below are some formal ways to convey “I am” in ASL:
1. “I am” with Adjectives:
- a. Happy: Start by signing “I” with your dominant hand pointed towards your chest. Next, use both hands to simultaneously sign the “H” handshape near the corners of your mouth and pull the corners upward, resembling a smile. Combine these signs to convey “I am happy.”
- b. Sad: Begin with the sign for “I” as described above. Then, use both hands in the “Y” handshape, palms facing inward, and bring them down along the sides of your face, resembling tears falling. This combination represents “I am sad.”
- c. Tired: Start by signing “I” and then extend both hands with palms facing inward, vertically, and bring them down, fingers pointing towards the ground. Repeat this movement a couple of times to express “I am tired.”
2. “I am” with Professions:
When expressing your profession in ASL, you will often combine the sign for “I” with a specific sign relating to your job. Here are a few examples:
- a. Teacher: Sign “I” and then extend your dominant hand, palm facing down, and tap it twice on the back of your non-dominant hand, which is held flat and slightly angled. This conveys “I am a teacher.”
- b. Nurse: Start with the sign for “I” and then sign the letter “N” twice by tapping your dominant hand’s index and middle fingers against your non-dominant forearm. This signifies “I am a nurse.”
Informal Ways to Say “I am” in ASL
In more casual or informal settings, ASL users may employ different phrasings or signs to convey “I am.” These informal variations add nuance and personal flair to the conversation. Here are a couple of ways to express “I am” more informally:
1. Shortened Phrases:
Informally, signing the subject pronoun “I” followed by an adjective or noun can often convey “I am” without explicitly signing “I am.” For example:
- a. Excited: Simply sign the adjective “excited” by using both hands in the “5” handshape near the center of your chest, palms facing inward, and moving your hands up and down a few times.
- b. Hungry: Sign “hungry” by placing your non-dominant hand, palm up, near your stomach. Then, take your dominant hand in a “flat hand” shape, palm down, and move it towards your stomach repeatedly.
2. Facial Expressions:
In informal settings, ASL users often rely on facial expressions to express “I am” non-verbally. By combining facial expressions with specific signs, they can communicate their emotional state or identity without explicitly signing “I am.” For instance:
- a. Shy: Combine the sign for “shy” (which involves slightly bringing your clenched fists towards your chest while looking down) along with a shy smile or a lowered gaze. This expresses “I am shy.”
- b. Confident: Use the sign for “confident” (placing a hand on your chest, palm down, and moving it forward while keeping your chin up), coupled with a proud smile or raised eyebrows. This conveys “I am confident.”
Tip: Remember that facial expressions play a crucial role in ASL, as they convey tone, emotions, and intentions. Pay attention to your facial expressions to enhance your signing skills.
Regional Variations
While the signs mentioned above represent the standard ASL used across the United States, it is worth noting that there may be regional variations in different parts of the country. For example, certain signs may differ in the Midwest versus the West Coast. If you are learning ASL in a specific region, it is beneficial to connect with local ASL communities or online resources to learn about any regional variations that may exist.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now have a solid understanding of how to say “I am” in ASL. Remember to consider the context, practice with formal and informal variations, and pay attention to facial expressions to enhance your ASL fluency. Whether you use the formal expressions or the more casual variations, your communication skills in ASL will continue to improve with practice. Enjoy the journey of expressing yourself through the beautiful language of ASL!
