Gaining proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) opens up a world of communication with the Deaf community. Whether you’re a student curious about how to express your academic major in ASL, or simply interested in expanding your sign language vocabulary, this guide will provide you with formal and informal ways to sign “major” in ASL, as well as offer regional variations if necessary. Let’s dive in and learn how to sign “major” in ASL with helpful tips and examples.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Sign Major in ASL
When expressing the concept of a major in a formal setting, such as in a professional or academic context, you can use the following signs:
1. Academic Major
To sign “academic major” in ASL, the most commonly used approach involves combining two signs. First, sign “THINK” by touching your forehead with your index finger and middle finger. Then, transition to signing “MAJOR” by extending your dominant hand’s index finger and drawing a short diagonal line across the middle of your non-dominant hand’s palm. These two signs together convey the idea of an academic major.
Example: When asked about your academic focus, you can sign “THINK MAJOR” using the technique described above.
2. Field of Study
If you wish to express the broader concept of your field of study, utilize the sign for “FIELD” followed by the sign for “STUDY.” To sign “FIELD,” hold your dominant hand in a flattened position, palm down, fingers together, then move your hand in a circular motion. Next, switch to the sign for “STUDY” by forming a modified “S” handshape with your dominant hand and placing it on top of your non-dominant flat palm.
Example: Suppose you want to describe your broad field of study as “biology.” You can sign “FIELD STUDY BIOLOGY” using the clear movements described above.
Informal Ways to Sign Major in ASL
Informal situations, such as casual conversations with friends or during social gatherings, may call for a more relaxed signing style. Here are a couple of signs commonly used when discussing majors informally:
1. Big Focus
In an informal setting, you can sign “big focus” to convey the idea of a major. Start by signing “BIG” with an open handshape and your palm facing up, then transition to the sign for “FOCUS” by forming an “F” handshape with your dominant hand and moving it forward, closer to your body.
Example: If you want to tell a friend that your major is psychology, you can sign “BIG FOCUS PSYCHOLOGY” using the friendly approach described above.
2. Specialize
Another informal way to discuss your academic focus in ASL is to use the sign for “SPECIALIZE.” Begin by forming an “S” handshape with your dominant hand, then draw an elongated vertical curve forward, ending in a flat hand. This sign conveys the notion of specializing in a particular area of study.
Example: To express that you specialize in computer science, sign “SPECIALIZE COMPUTER SCIENCE” using the sign technique mentioned above.
Regional Variations
While ASL is widely used throughout North America, there may be minor regional variations in some signs. It is always beneficial to remain open to learning and adapting to the signing style of the Deaf community in your specific area. Consulting with local Deaf individuals or attending ASL classes can help you become familiar with regional variations. Remember, the ASL signs described earlier in this guide are applicable to a vast majority of ASL users.
Final Tips for ASL Communication
Remember, when communicating in ASL, it’s important to maintain good eye contact and engage in facial expressions and body language to convey meaning effectively. Also, ensure you respect and value the Deaf culture by actively listening, being patient, and practicing regularly to improve your signing skills.
By following the signs and techniques provided in this guide, you have acquired the knowledge to express the concept of a major in ASL. Remember, sign language is not merely about learning signs but also understanding the cultural nuances and context in which they are used. Enjoy your journey of learning ASL and embracing the rich, visual language of the Deaf community!
