How to Say “Involved” in ASL: Formal and Informal Ways, Tips, and Examples

Hello and welcome to this guide on how to express the concept of “involved” in American Sign Language (ASL). In this comprehensive guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to convey this term, providing you with useful tips, examples, and even a discussion on regional variations when necessary. So let’s dive in and learn how to sign “involved” in ASL!

Formal Ways to Sign “Involved” in ASL

When you want to communicate the idea of being “involved” in a more formal setting or a professional context, you can use the sign for “participate” or “engage”. Here’s how:

Sign: PARTICIPATE

To sign “participate” in ASL, follow these simple steps:

1. Extend both hands in front of your body at chest height, keeping your palms facing downwards and fingers close together.
2. Alternate moving your hands up and down slightly, similar to the motion of softly clapping but with your palms facing downwards.

This sign indicates active involvement or engagement in an event or activity and can be used in formal contexts, such as in the workplace, business meetings, or educational environments.

Sign: ENGAGE

If you prefer to use the sign “engage” rather than “participate,” you can follow these steps:

1. Extend both hands in front of your body, palms facing inward.
2. Interlock your fingers together and move both hands in a circular motion towards your body.
3. End the sign with your hands in front of your chest, still interlocked.

This sign conveys a deeper level of involvement, indicating active participation and commitment to a task or activity. It is commonly used in formal situations, such as professional settings or formal discussions.

Informal Ways to Sign “Involved” in ASL

When expressing the idea of being “involved” in more informal or casual settings, there are different signs you can use within the ASL community. Here are a couple of common signs:

Sign: INVOLVE

To sign “involve” in ASL in a casual or informal manner, follow these steps:

1. Extend your dominant hand out in front of your body, palm facing upwards.
2. With your non-dominant hand, make a relaxed fist, thumb pointing upwards.
3. Bring your relaxed fist onto your open palm, touching lightly, and then lift your fist off the palm.
4. Repeat this touching and lifting motion a couple of times.

This sign conveys the concept of being involved or participating in something casually or informally. It is often used within friends or small social groups.

Sign: HANDS IN

Another informal sign for “involved” in ASL is the “hands in” sign. To perform it, follow these steps:

1. Extend both hands in front of your chest, palms facing downwards.
2. With your palms facing downwards, bring both hands together, touching each other at the fingertips.
3. Slide your hands apart gently, keeping the fingertips connected.
4. Repeat the sliding motion a couple of times.

This sign signifies being involved or included in a less formal or relaxed context, such as informal gatherings, family events, or social meetings with friends.

Regional Variations

While the signs mentioned above are widely used throughout the ASL community, it is important to note that ASL can have regional variations and individual preferences. Some regional variations may exist in the way “involved” is signed. Therefore, it’s beneficial to remain open to different signing styles and adapt as necessary when communicating with signers from various regions.

Tips for Signing “Involved” in ASL

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when signing “involved” in ASL:

• Pay attention to facial expressions and body language, as they play a crucial role in conveying meaning and intention in ASL.
• Maintain eye contact with the person you are signing with, as it demonstrates active engagement and respect.
• Practice signing with fluent ASL users or take ASL classes to improve your overall signing skills and fluency.
• Be aware of the context in which you’re using the sign for “involved” to ensure you choose the most appropriate signing style.

Remember, ASL is a rich and dynamic language, so don’t be afraid to experiment and learn from others. The more you immerse yourself in the Deaf community and engage with fluent signers, the more you’ll develop your signing skills and understanding of how to sign “involved” in different situations.

Hopefully, this guide has provided you with valuable insights into how to say “involved” in ASL using both formal and informal signs. Remember to practice regularly, embrace the language’s expressive nature, and respect the diverse signing styles you encounter along your ASL journey. Happy signing!