Greetings! Learning American Sign Language (ASL) is an exciting journey, and discovering how to express different concepts can be both challenging and rewarding. In this guide, we will explore the various ways to convey the phrase “long time ago” in ASL, including formal and informal ways. We will also provide tips, examples, and regional variations if necessary. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Long Time Ago” in ASL
When expressing the concept of “long time ago” in a formal manner, you can use several signs. Here are a few examples:
1. OLD – To begin, sign “old” by placing your non-dominant hand flat, palm facing upward. With your dominant hand, place your fingertips on the center of your non-dominant hand’s palm and rotate your wrist in a small circular motion. This sign indicates something that happened a long time ago.
2. PAST – Another formal way to express “long time ago” is by signing “past.” Start with your non-dominant hand held upright, palm facing forward. With your dominant hand in a flat handshape, move it forward in a sweeping motion from your non-dominant side to indicate the passage of time.
Informal Ways to Say “Long Time Ago” in ASL
If you want to convey the concept of “long time ago” in a more casual or informal manner, here are a couple of signs that can be used:
1. AGO – The sign for “ago” is commonly used in everyday conversations to express the idea of “long time ago.” Make a backward movement with your dominant hand, starting from near your chin and moving away. This sign emphasizes a distant or far-off timeframe.
2. WAY-BACK-THEN – Another informal sign for “long time ago” is “way-back-then.” Take both of your arms in front of your body, crossing them at the wrists. Then, uncross your arms, moving them outward in a forward direction. This sign visualizes a distant past, similar to “back in the day” in spoken language.
Tips for Using Signs for “Long Time Ago” in ASL
Here are some helpful tips to remember when incorporating signs for “long time ago” into your ASL conversations:
- Facial Expressions: Facial expressions play a crucial role in conveying meaning in ASL. Maintain an appropriate facial expression to match the intensity or significance of the “long time ago” concept you are expressing.
- Modifying Signs: Adapt the intensity and speed of your signs to indicate variations in the length of time being referred to. For a more extended period, emphasize the magnitude and duration of the sign.
- Context is Key: Always consider the context of your conversation. The signs for “long time ago” may differ based on the specific imaginary timeframe you are referring to.
- Learn from Native Signers: Engage with deaf communities, take ASL classes, or watch videos from proficient ASL users to learn regional variations and gain a deeper understanding of the concept you wish to express.
Examples of Using Signs for “Long Time Ago” in ASL
Let’s explore some examples of how to use the signs for “long time ago” in ASL:
Example 1: You could say, “I went to that amusement park long time ago” by using the sign for “ago” while telling the story.
Example 2: Another example could be, “In the old days, people used different communication methods” while signing “old” and “days” with appropriate facial expressions.
Example 3: Say, “I remember when we used to play outside way back then” incorporating the sign for “way-back-then” along with nostalgic facial expressions.
Example 4: You may use the sign for “past” when saying, “A long time ago, my family lived in a beautiful countryside” emphasizing how far back the memory goes.
Regional Variations
ASL is a diverse language with some regional variations. While the signs for “long time ago” mentioned above are commonly used in many regions, it’s essential to recognize that certain variations may exist.
When exploring regional variations, it’s recommended to learn from native signers or consult resources specific to that region for an in-depth understanding.
Have Fun with ASL!
Congratulations! You have learned different signs to convey the concept of “long time ago” in both formal and informal ways in ASL. Keep practicing, expanding your knowledge, and refining your signing skills. Remember to use appropriate facial expressions, modify signs accordingly, and consider the context. ASL opens the door to a rich and vibrant culture, so embrace the journey and have fun communicating through sign language!
