Guide: How to Say “I Got” in American Sign Language (ASL)

Learning American Sign Language (ASL) allows you to effectively communicate with the Deaf community. Whether you are a beginner or have some basic knowledge, expressing the phrase “I got” is an essential part of everyday conversation. This guide will provide you with formal and informal ways to express “I got” in ASL, along with helpful tips, examples, and regional variations.

Formal Ways to Say “I Got” in ASL

In formal situations or when interacting with someone you are not familiar with, it’s important to adhere to proper ASL grammar and etiquette. Here are a few formal ways to express “I got” in ASL:

1. “I received”: To convey the meaning of “I got” in a formal manner, you can sign “I received.” Start by signing “I” with your dominant hand, then move your hand towards your body, palm facing inward, as if receiving something.
   Example:
   

   I received

   (Sign “I” then bring hand towards body)

2. “I obtained”: Another formal way to express “I got” in ASL is to sign “I obtained.” Begin by signing “I” with your dominant hand, then smoothly transition to signing “obtain” by bringing your hand from a vertical position to a fist, as if grabbing something.
   Example:
   

   I obtained

   (Sign “I” then change hand position to a fist)

Informal Ways to Say “I Got” in ASL

When communicating with friends, family, or in casual settings, informal language and variations are more common in ASL. Here are some informal ways to express “I got” in ASL:

1. “I got it”: If you want to express understanding or comprehension, you can sign “I got it.” Sign “I” with your dominant hand, then tap the side or back of your head with a closed index finger.
   Example:
   

   I got it

   (Sign “I” then tap side/back of head)

2. “I gotcha”: In informal situations, you can use “I gotcha” to convey understanding or agreement. To sign this, start with the sign for “I” using your dominant hand, then place it on your chest with the palm facing inward and fingers spread slightly.
   Example:
   

   I gotcha

   (Sign “I” then place hand on chest)

Tips for Using “I Got” in ASL

Here are some tips to remember when using the phrase “I got” in ASL:

• Facial expressions matter: ASL relies heavily on facial expressions to convey meaning and tone. Ensure your facial expressions are aligned with the intended message, whether formal or informal.
• Practice signing with fluency: As with any language, practice is key to becoming fluent. Regularly sign and interact with members of the Deaf community or other ASL learners to improve your signing skills.
• Be aware of regional variations: ASL may have some regional variations, just like spoken languages. While the phrases mentioned above are widely understood, it’s always beneficial to learn from and adapt to the signing style of the local Deaf community.

Conclusion

Mastering the phrase “I got” in ASL opens doors to effective communication and connection. By learning the formal and informal ways to express this phrase, practicing proper ASL grammar, and being aware of regional variations, you can confidently engage with the Deaf community and enhance your signing skills. Remember to maintain a warm and respectful tone, and embrace the beauty of ASL as you continue your journey towards fluency.