Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “join” in American Sign Language (ASL). In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to express this concept, providing you with various tips and examples along the way. While we primarily focus on standard ASL, regional variations may exist, but we’ll only touch upon them if necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Join” in ASL
When it comes to expressing the concept of “join” formally in ASL, there are a few signs commonly used. Here are two widely-accepted signs:
- Sign 1: JOIN
Hold both hands in front of your chest, palms facing inwards. Bring your hands together, interlocking your fingers. This sign represents a formal and clean way to express joining, often used on professional occasions or in formal settings.
Example: Imagine you are discussing a work project with your colleagues, you can say, “I would like to join the team” by using the JOIN sign.
- Sign 2: BECOME A PART OF
Hold one hand out in front of you, palm facing down. Then, using your other hand, form a “C” shape and tap the back of the stationary hand. This sign conveys the idea of becoming a part of a group, organization, or community formally.
Example: If you want to say, “I want to join the club,” you would use the sign for BECOME A PART OF.
Informal Ways to Say “Join” in ASL
Informal ways of expressing “join” in ASL are often used in casual conversations or among friends. Here are a couple of widely-used informal signs:
- Sign 1: HOP ON BOARD
Make a “closed 5” handshape, similar to a fist, slightly above your hip on your dominant side. Using a quick, upward motion, bring your hand parallel to your chest. This sign is used to represent joining an activity or expressing involvement in a less formal setting.
Example: Suppose you’re planning a casual outing with friends and you want to say, “I’ll join you guys!”. In that case, you would use the HOP ON BOARD sign.
- Sign 2: TEAM UP
Extend both hands in front of you, palms facing each other. Move your hands together, as if they are joining as a unit. This sign is often used to convey the act of joining forces or teaming up with someone in a relaxed context.
Example: If you’re playing a team-based game and want to say, “I’ll join your team,” you can use the sign for TEAM UP.
Regional Variations in ASL
While ASL is a standardized sign language, slight regional variations may exist. These variations could influence how people express “join” in specific areas. Keep in mind that ASL is primarily used in the United States and parts of Canada.
In some regions, an alternate formal sign for “join” involves bringing both hands together with the index and middle fingers extended, and then pulling them apart. However, this variation is not as commonly used in standard ASL.
It’s fascinating to see these subtle differences in sign language across regions, as they highlight the rich diversity within the Deaf community.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations! You’ve now learned several ways to express the concept of “join” in ASL. Remember to adapt your signing style based on the formality of the setting or the people involved. Whether you opt for a formal or informal sign, make sure to practice and reinforce your knowledge by interacting with members of the Deaf community or joining ASL learning groups.
As you practice, keep in mind that cultural sensitivity and respect are essential when communicating in ASL or any other sign language. Embrace the opportunity to learn from Deaf individuals and immerse yourself in the beauty of their language and culture.
Happy signing!
