Learning sign language is a rewarding endeavor that allows you to communicate with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Sign language has its own unique vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure. To begin your journey, it’s crucial to understand how to express the concept of “learn” in sign language. In this guide, we will explore formal and informal ways to say “learn” in sign language, providing you with tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Learn” in Sign Language
Formal sign language is generally used in official settings, such as educational institutions or professional settings. Here are some formal ways to express the concept of “learn” in sign language.
1. ASL (American Sign Language): LEARN
In American Sign Language (ASL), the sign for “learn” consists of extending your dominant hand forward with palm facing upwards, then bringing your non-dominant hand closer to your dominant hand as if grasping knowledge from the air and bringing it towards your head. This sign represents the idea of acquiring knowledge or learning something new.
Example Usage:
In an educational setting, a teacher might sign, “Today we will learn about the solar system.”
2. BSL (British Sign Language): LEARN
In British Sign Language (BSL), the sign for “learn” involves forming your non-dominant hand into a flat palm facing upwards and tapping it with your dominant hand’s index finger twice. This sign symbolizes the absorption of knowledge or learning.
Example Usage:
A student might sign to their friend, “Guess what I learned in biology class today?”
Informal Ways to Say “Learn” in Sign Language
Informal sign language is often used in casual settings, among friends, or within the Deaf community. Here are some informal ways to express the concept of “learn” in sign language.
1. Regional Sign Variations: LEARN
Just as spoken languages have regional variations, sign language does too. Various regional sign variations exist for the concept of “learn.” These informal signs are more common within specific communities and may not be universally recognized.
Example Usage:
In some parts of the United States, a common informal sign for “learn” involves placing an open palm on your forehead and making a forward motion, indicating the acquisition of knowledge or learning.
2. Fingerspelling: L-E-A-R-N
In informal settings, fingerspelling is commonly used to express the word “learn.” Fingerspelling involves using specific handshapes to represent letters, spelling out the word “learn” letter by letter.
Example Usage:
During a casual conversation, a group of friends might fingerspell “learn” to emphasize their curiosity about a specific topic.
Tips for Learning Sign Language
Learning sign language requires time, practice, and dedication. Here are some tips to enhance your sign language learning journey:
- Immerse yourself in the Deaf community to practice signing with native users.
- Take sign language classes or workshops from certified instructors.
- Practice fingerspelling regularly to improve your receptive and expressive skills.
- Use online resources, such as sign language dictionaries or video tutorials, for additional support.
- Find a conversation partner or join a signing group to engage in regular sign language practice.
- Attend Deaf events or social gatherings where you can interact with sign language users.
Conclusion
Learning how to express the concept of “learn” in sign language is an essential step in your journey toward becoming proficient in this visual language. Whether you opt for a formal or informal approach, understanding the various sign variations will help you effectively communicate with deaf or hard of hearing individuals. Remember to immerse yourself in the Deaf community, practice regularly, and embrace the cultural aspects of sign language. With determination and perseverance, you will unlock the ability to communicate fluently through sign language.
