Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to express “I know little sign” in American Sign Language (ASL). Whether you are new to ASL or just beginning your journey to learn this beautiful language, this guide will provide you with different ways to convey your limited knowledge of sign language. We’ll cover both formal and informal ways of expressing this phrase to help you navigate various situations. Please note that while ASL is predominantly used in the United States, regional variations may exist.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
Here are a few formal ASL expressions you can use to communicate that you possess limited knowledge of sign language when interacting in more professional or structured settings:
1. “I know little sign.”
This straightforward expression involves simple signs and facial expressions to convey the message clearly:
Starting with both hands in loosely closed fists in front of your chest, circle your hands forward and downward slightly, while shaking your head gently side to side. This sign combination illustrates a small or limited amount of knowledge in signing.
2. “I have basic sign language skills.”
If you want to convey that you possess foundational skills in sign language, you can use the following expression:
Place your dominant hand flat, palm down, in front of your chest, fingers extended and together. Then, move your hand back and forth, parallel to your chest. This sign symbolizes the idea of having basic or elementary understanding of ASL.
Informal Expressions
When you are in a more casual or informal setting, such as with friends or in a relaxed signing environment, you can use these expressions:
1. “I’m still learning sign.”
If you want to express that you are currently in the process of learning sign language, you can sign the following:
With both hands in a relaxed “5” handshape, palms facing toward you, cross your wrists in front of your chest. Then, flick your hands open and outward, as if they are blooming flowers. This sign visually represents the idea of learning and growing in sign language.
2. “I’m a beginner in sign.”
To let others know that you are a beginner in sign language, you can use this expression:
With both hands open, palms facing you, bring your hands together in front of your chest. Then, slowly and gently rub your hands together, back and forth. This sign indicates a novice or someone in the early stages of learning sign language.
Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips to enhance your communication when expressing your limited knowledge of sign language:
1. Use facial expressions
Facial expressions play a crucial role in ASL and can convey different meanings. To show that you have limited signing abilities, maintain a calm and slightly apologetic expression while signing the phrases discussed earlier.
2. Gesture and point
If you are struggling to express yourself in sign language, utilizing gestures and pointing can help provide additional context. Combine these non-manual markers with the signs you’ve learned to communicate more effectively.
3. Practice fingerspelling
While indicating that you have limited sign language knowledge, you can accompany your signing with fingerspelling. Fingerspelling involves signing individual letters, enabling you to spell out words or even ask for clarification in conversations.
Now, let’s go through a couple of examples to put these expressions into context:
Example 1:
You’re attending a sign language class and introducing yourself. You could sign, “HELLO, I (point to yourself) KNOW LITTLE SIGN.” Remember to use the signs and gestures described earlier.
Example 2:
You are at a deaf community event, and someone approaches you to sign. You could respond, “I (fingerspell) STILL LEARNING SIGN.” This way, you convey that you are currently in the learning process.
Conclusion
As you can see, expressing your limited knowledge of sign language in ASL can be done using a variety of signs, facial expressions, and gestures. Whether you are in a formal or informal setting, understanding these expressions will help you navigate conversations and interactions more effectively. Remember to practice regularly, immerse yourself in sign language communities, and be patient with your learning process. Happy signing!
