Gaining basic knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) can greatly enhance your communication skills and provide you with the ability to engage with members of the Deaf community. In ASL, expressing concepts like “last month” is essential for effective communication. In this guide, we will cover the formal and informal ways to express “last month” in ASL, along with some helpful tips, examples, and regional variations.
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Formal Way to Say “Last Month” in ASL
When signing “last month” formally in ASL, you can use the following signs and techniques:
1. Signing “Last”
To convey the concept of “last,” you can utilize a few different signs, such as:
- The sign for “previous” or “before,” formed by extending your index finger and pointing it backward, parallel to your body, and then drawing it towards your chest. This sign indicates the notion of “last” or “previous.”
- The sign for “past,” formed by placing your flat right hand against the side of your forehead and moving it forward slightly. This sign represents the idea of something that has occurred in the past.
2. Signing “Month”
To sign “month” in ASL, use your dominant hand’s thumb to touch your chin, and then move it down in a curved motion, extending all fingers outwards. This sign signifies the concept of a “month” in general.
3. Combining “Last” and “Month”
After mastering the signs for “last” and “month,” you can combine them in a smooth and fluid motion. Start by signing “last” and then, in the same movement, transition into signing “month.” Ensure you maintain facial expressions, as they play a crucial role in conveying meaning and context in ASL.
Example: In a formal setting, you can sign “last month” by using the sign for “previous” or “past,” followed by the sign for “month.” Remember to maintain proper finger spelling, facial expressions, and fluidity in your signing to enhance clarity.
Informal Way to Say “Last Month” in ASL
ASL is adaptable and varies in formal and informal contexts, just like any spoken language. The way signers express “last month” in casual conversations might differ from the formal method. Here are some informal alternatives to sign “last month” in ASL:
1. Fingerspelling
In casual settings, individuals often use the ASL fingerspelling technique for expressing specific terms. To sign “last month” informally, you can quickly fingerspell the letters “L,” “A,” “S,” and “T,” followed by the letters “M,” “O,” “N,” “T,” and “H.” Remember to maintain a relaxed and natural signing pace.
2. Visual Descriptions
An informal way to convey “last month” is by using visual descriptions. For example, you can sign the ASL sign for “month” and then use your non-dominant hand to gesture backward, indicating that it is in the past.
3. Contextual Clues
Another informal approach to conveying “last month” is by relying on contextual clues within the conversation. You can reference specific events or occurrences that naturally bring up the concept of “last month.” For example, mentioning a holiday or activity that happened recently can provide the necessary context.
Example: In informal settings, you can fingerspell the letters “L-A-S-T M-O-N-T-H” at a comfortable pace or use visual descriptions combined with contextual clues to convey the meaning of “last month.”
Regional Variations in ASL
ASL, like any language, can have some regional variations in signs and expressions. While the core concepts and signs remain consistent, there might be slight differences in how individuals from different regions sign “last month.” These variations usually result from the cultural influence within the Deaf community of a particular region.
It’s essential to note that these regional variations are subtle and do not hinder cross-regional communication. ASL users are generally accustomed to adjusting and adapting based on the signing style of those around them. The goal is to facilitate effective communication, regardless of small differences in sign choices.
If you encounter regional variations while learning or using ASL, it’s always beneficial to adapt and become familiar with the signing style of the community you are interacting with.
Conclusion
Mastering the signs and expressions for various time-related concepts, such as “last month,” is pivotal to fluent ASL communication. Remember, expressing “last month” in ASL can be done formally by signing “previous” or “past” followed by “month,” or informally through fingerspelling or visual descriptions combined with contextual clues.
While regional variations exist within ASL, they are subtle and should not hinder effective communication. The Deaf community embraces diversity and understands the importance of accommodating individual signing styles.
Continuing to build upon your ASL skills will provide you with a broader understanding of this rich and unique language while fostering inclusion and connection with members of the Deaf community.
