Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to express “I remember” in American Sign Language (ASL). Whether you are just starting to learn ASL or looking to expand your signing vocabulary, understanding how to convey the concept of remembering is crucial. In this guide, we will cover the formal and informal ways to express “I remember” in ASL, alongside some tips, examples, and regional variations. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Way to Say “I Remember” in ASL
In formal ASL, the sign for “I remember” involves a combination of hand movements and facial expressions. Follow these steps:
- Start with both hands open, fingers extended, and palm facing towards you. Keep your hands at shoulder height.
- With a quick motion, bring both hands towards your chest simultaneously and cross them over each other with the palms still facing towards you.
- As you cross your hands, furrow your eyebrows slightly and tilt your head forward to emphasize the memory.
Remember, when signing “I remember” formally, it’s important to make the facial expressions and gestures as clear and deliberate as possible. This helps ensure effective communication, especially when interacting with native signers or in formal settings such as presentations or academic discussions.
Informal Way to Say “I Remember” in ASL
While the formal way of signing “I remember” is suitable for many situations, ASL also accommodates more informal or casual expressions. In informal settings, you can use a simplified version of the sign for “I remember” using just one hand:
- Extend your dominant hand, keeping your palm facing towards you.
- Bring your hand towards your forehead and tap it gently with your fingertips while slightly lowering your head.
- To add emphasis, you can combine the tapping motion with a slight nod.
This informal version of signing “I remember” is commonly used in casual conversations with friends, family, or acquaintances. It is less formal and can convey a sense of familiarity and comfort in your signing style.
Examples and Tips
Now that you have learned the formal and informal ways to say “I remember” in ASL, let’s explore some examples and additional tips to enhance your signing:
Example Sentences:
Formal: During the lecture, I remember the professor discussing the importance of early childhood education.
Informal: Oh, I remember that restaurant we went to last weekend; the food was amazing!
Tips:
- Pay attention to your facial expressions – they play a crucial role in ASL communication, conveying emotions, and emphasizing meaning.
- Practice signing “I remember” in front of a mirror to ensure your hand movements and expressions are clear and well-executed.
- Remember that ASL is not a universal sign language; variations may exist across regions and communities. If you encounter different regional signs for “I remember,” embrace them as exciting learning opportunities.
- Avoid over-complicating your signing. Keep your movements fluid, natural, and consistent to ensure effective communication.
- Find opportunities to practice signing with Deaf individuals or other ASL learners. Immersion and real-life interactions can greatly enhance your signing skills and fluency.
Congratulations! You now have a solid understanding of how to say “I remember” in ASL. Remember to actively practice and incorporate your new knowledge into your signing to become more proficient with time. Enjoy the beautiful journey of communicating through ASL and embracing Deaf culture!
