American Sign Language (ASL) is a fascinating language that uses a combination of hand movements, facial expressions, and body language to convey meaning. If you want to express the idea of “I grew up speaking English” in ASL, there are a couple of ways to do so depending on the formality of the situation. Let’s explore both the formal and informal ways to say this phrase, along with some tips, examples, and regional variations.
Table of Contents
Formal Way
In formal situations, such as in a business meeting or an academic setting, it is important to use polite and professional language. Here’s how you can express the idea formally:
To sign “I grew up speaking English” formally in ASL, you can use the following sentence structure:
Subject + “GROW-UP” + “SPEAK” + “ENGLISH.”
Let’s break down this sentence structure for a better understanding:
- Subject: This refers to yourself or the person you are speaking about. You can point to yourself or use your name sign if you have one.
- GROW-UP: This sign is commonly used in ASL when talking about your childhood or the process of growing up. It involves bringing both open hands up from a low position to a higher position while moving them slightly forward.
- SPEAK: To sign “speak” in ASL, place your dominant hand in a “C” shape near your mouth and move it forward slightly. This sign represents the act of speaking or communicating.
- ENGLISH: To represent English, you will use the sign for the letter ‘E’ followed by the sign for ‘LANGUAGE.’ For the sign ‘E,’ extend your index finger and bring it closer to your chest while slightly shaking it. Then, sign ‘LANGUAGE’ by making a flat ‘L’ handshape and moving it in a circular motion.
Let’s see an example sentence: “I grew up speaking English.”
“ME GROW-UP SPEAK ENGLISH.”
Remember to maintain good eye contact and use appropriate facial expressions while signing this phrase formally. This will help convey your message clearly in a professional setting.
Informal Way
In casual conversations with friends, family, or acquaintances, you can opt for a more relaxed and informal way to express the same idea. Here’s how you can do it:
To sign “I grew up speaking English” informally in ASL, you can use the following sentence structure:
Subject + “GROW-UP” + (Point to Yourself) + “SPEAK” + “ENGLISH.”
Let’s break down this sentence structure for better understanding:
- Subject: Similar to the formal way, this refers to yourself or the person you are speaking about. However, in an informal setting, you can simply point to yourself instead of using your name sign.
- GROW-UP: The sign for “grow-up” remains the same as in the formal version.
- SPEAK: Similarly, the sign for “speak” remains the same as in the formal version.
- ENGLISH: The sign for “English” also remains the same as in the formal version.
Here’s an example sentence in an informal setting: “I grew up speaking English.”
“ME GROW-UP (Point to Yourself) SPEAK ENGLISH.”
In informal situations, it’s common to incorporate more facial expressions and body language to add emphasis and convey a relaxed tone. So, feel free to use appropriate non-manual markers while signing.
Regional Variations
ASL is a dynamic language with some regional variations. While the signs for “grow-up,” “speak,” and “English” remain consistent across regions, there might be some slight differences in the specifics. It is always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the local sign variations if you are learning ASL in a specific region. For example, certain regions may have unique signs for certain concepts.
If you are learning ASL in a specific region or community, it is always a good idea to reach out to local ASL speakers, attend workshops, or join ASL clubs to learn about specific regional variations.
Remember, ASL is a visual language, so practice is key to becoming proficient. Always strive to learn from native ASL users and engage with the Deaf community whenever possible. Enjoy the process of learning ASL and embrace the rich culture it represents.
In conclusion, there are both formal and informal ways to say “I grew up speaking English” in ASL. The key is to adapt your signing style based on the situation and audience. Whether it’s a formal business meeting or a casual conversation with friends, ASL allows you to express yourself fluently. Remember the sentence structures, use appropriate signs, maintain eye contact, and incorporate facial expressions and body language to enhance your communication in ASL.
Happy signing!
