Greetings! If you’re interested in learning how to say “last week” in American Sign Language (ASL), you’ve come to the right place. ASL is a beautiful and expressive visual language used primarily by the Deaf community in the United States and parts of Canada. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways of expressing “last week” in ASL, with some tips, examples, and regional variations. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Last Week” in ASL
When using ASL in more formal settings, such as in educational or professional environments, it’s important to use appropriate signs and grammar. Here are a couple of formal ways to convey “last week” in ASL:
1. Fingerspelling: L-A-S-T W-E-E-K
The most direct and consistent way to express “last week” in ASL is through fingerspelling. Fingerspelling involves using specific handshapes to represent letters of the alphabet. For “last week,” you would fingerspell the letters L-A-S-T W-E-E-K, with deliberate and clear hand movements.
TIP: When fingerspelling, maintain a steady pace and keep your hand movements crisp and distinct. Not all signers are equally familiar with fingerspelling, so it’s essential to ensure your communication is easily understood.
2. Temporal Locative: PAST-WEEK
Another formal way to say “last week” in ASL is by using the temporal locative construction. It involves signing the concept of “past” or “previous” followed by the sign for “week.” This conveys the idea of a specific time period in the immediate past.
EXAMPLE: Sign “past” using a sweeping motion of your right hand from left to right in front of your body. Then sign “week” by extending your left hand in a relaxed flat handshape and using your right index finger to tap the back of your left hand once, indicating the concept of a week.
Informal Ways to Say “Last Week” in ASL
In informal conversations or casual contexts, ASL users may employ more relaxed or colloquial signs to express “last week.” Here are a couple of informal ways to convey this concept:
1. Time + Past Expression
One common informal method is to combine the sign for a specific time duration with a “past” expression, indicating that the event or timeframe happened “last week.”
EXAMPLE: To express “last week,” sign the desired time period, such as “seven days” or “one week,” and follow it with a sign or gesture demonstrating “past” or “before.” This combination effectively communicates the idea of something happening in the previous week.
2. Time + Gone
Another informal approach to convey “last week” is to combine a time reference sign with the gesture or sign for “gone.” This combination is used to indicate something happened in the past and is no longer present.
EXAMPLE: To sign “last week” following this method, sign the specific time duration, such as “week,” and then use your hands to mime or sign “gone” by moving them away from your body. This gesture signifies that the week has passed and is no longer current.
Regional Variations
ASL has some regional variations and dialects, just like spoken languages. However, when it comes to expressing “last week,” the signs and strategies mentioned earlier are commonly used across different regions. It’s important to note that while regional variations exist, the overall structure and grammar of ASL remain consistent.
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing this guide on how to say “last week” in ASL! Remember, when using ASL, it’s essential to consider the context and formality of the situation. Finger spelling and the temporal locative approach are more formal options, while combining time references with “past” expressions or “gone” gestures are more commonly used in informal settings.
Now that you have gained insights into expressing “last week” in ASL, practice, and actively engage with the Deaf community to strengthen your signing skills. Sign language is a beautiful means of communication that connects individuals across linguistic barriers, fostering understanding and inclusivity.
