American Sign Language (ASL) is a unique and expressive form of communication primarily used by the Deaf community in the United States. If you love reading and want to express that in ASL, this guide will teach you how to say “I like to read” in both formal and informal ways. While ASL is generally consistent nationwide, it’s important to mention that regional variations may exist. So let’s dive in and explore the various ways to convey your affection for reading in ASL!
Table of Contents
Formal Way: “I Like to Read”
When expressing your love for reading in a formal setting, such as during a presentation or a more professional environment, you can use the following ASL phrase:
“BOOK, I LIKE READ.”
To sign this phrase in ASL, follow these steps:
- Begin by signing the word “BOOK.” Extend your non-dominant hand open, palm up, in front of you to represent a book.
- Next, create a “thumbs up” shape with your dominant hand by raising your thumb while keeping your other fingers curled gently towards your palm.
- Place your dominant hand, in the “thumbs up” position, just above your non-dominant hand representing the book.
- Finally, move your dominant hand forward in a gentle, repeated motion to indicate reading.
This formal way of saying “I like to read” is clear and professional, making it suitable for formal occasions or situations where clarity and directness are important.
Informal Way: “I’m into Reading”
In more relaxed or casual settings, such as chatting with friends or family, you can use a slightly modified variation to express your enthusiasm for reading. The informal way of saying “I like to read” can be signed as follows:
“ME REALLY LIKE READ.”
To sign this phrase in ASL, follow these steps:
- Start with the sign for “ME.” Extend your thumb and pinky finger while tucking your remaining fingers gently towards your palm. Touch your thumb and pinky gently against your chest.
- Next, use both hands to form the sign for “REALLY.” Place your palms facing your chest and move them up and down in a small shaking motion.
- Finally, sign the word “LIKE” by extending your index finger while keeping your other fingers curled gently towards your palm. Touch your chest lightly with your extended index finger.
- Complete the phrase by signing the word “READ” using the same motion described earlier for the formal version.
This informal way of expressing your love for reading adds some personal flair to the sign while remaining warm and friendly. It’s perfect for more relaxed situations where you want to emphasize your enthusiasm for reading.
Tips and Examples
To make your ASL conversations more engaging and expressive, incorporate these tips and examples when saying “I like to read” in ASL:
Tips:
- Ensure clarity by using crisp hand movements and distinct facial expressions.
- Maintain eye contact while signing to establish better communication and connection.
- Use appropriate non-manual markers such as raised eyebrows or head nods to convey various nuances.
Examples:
Consider these examples to enhance your understanding and usage of “I like to read” in ASL:
Example 1:
Person 1: “What do you like doing in your free time?”
Person 2: “BOOK, I LIKE READ.”
This example shows the formal way of expressing your love for reading when asked about your hobbies.
Example 2:
Person 1: “Did you hear about the new novel?”
Person 2: “ME REALLY LIKE READ.”
This example demonstrates the informal way of expressing your passion for reading when discussing a new book.
By utilizing these tips and examples, you can confidently express your love for reading in ASL, fostering stronger connections with the Deaf community and incorporating their beautiful language more effectively into your conversations.
Remember, ASL is a visual language, so focus on expressing your passion through clear signs, facial expressions, and body language. Practice often, engage with the Deaf community, and continuously improve your proficiency in ASL to enhance your communication skills.
Enjoy signing and the wonderful world of reading!
