When it comes to learning American Sign Language (ASL), it’s important to have a solid vocabulary foundation, including common math symbols and terms. In this guide, we will focus on how to sign “minus” in ASL, providing both formal and informal ways of expressing this concept. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Sign “Minus” in ASL
ASL offers several formal ways to sign “minus,” depending on the specific context. Here are a few variations:
- Method 1: Extend your dominant hand in a horizontal position, palm facing down. Move your hand from left to right in a straight line, representing the concept of subtraction.
- Method 2: Place your non-dominant hand in a palm-up position. Using your dominant hand, make a closed fist with the thumb tucked between your index and middle fingers. Starting from the pinky side of your non-dominant hand, move your fist across your palm to the thumb side, simulating the act of subtracting.
Remember to hold your facial expression neutral and maintain a confident posture when signing “minus” formally. This will ensure clarity and professionalism in your communication.
Informal Ways to Sign “Minus” in ASL
Although ASL has a rich formal vocabulary, informal variations often emerge in the deaf community. Here are a couple of common informal ways to sign “minus”:
- Method 1: Extend your dominant hand in a horizontal position, palm facing up. Make a “C” shape with your non-dominant hand, placing it below your dominant hand. Move your dominant hand from left to right, brushing your index finger against your non-dominant palm, indicating subtraction.
- Method 2: Flex your dominant hand with all fingers extended, palm facing down. Starting from your non-dominant shoulder, swipe your hand diagonally towards the opposite hip, as if wiping something away. This gesture symbolizes subtraction in a more casual and playful way.
Informal signs tend to rely on visual metaphors and may vary regionally or within specific groups. It’s always helpful to engage with members of the deaf community to learn about the nuances and localized variations.
Examples and Tips
Now that you’re familiar with formal and informal ways to sign “minus,” let’s explore a few examples to solidify your understanding:
Example 1: In a math class setting, you can use the formal signing method (Method 1) to demonstrate subtraction problems on the board, such as “8 minus 4 equals 4.”
Remember to maintain good signing space by ensuring your signing area is clear and well-lit. This will allow your hand movements to be easily visible and understood by others. Additionally, practice your handshapes and finger movements to ensure accuracy and fluency.
Example 2: If you’re informally chatting with a deaf friend about splitting a pizza, you can use the informal signing method (Method 2) to say “We had 6 pieces, minus 2, leaves us with 4 pieces.”
Utilize facial expressions and body language to emphasize key points and demonstrate your engagement in the conversation. ASL is a visual language, and proper non-manual markers, such as facial expressions, play a vital role in conveying meaning.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have learned how to sign “minus” in ASL using both formal and informal variations. Remember to practice regularly, engage with the deaf community, and immerse yourself in ASL to refine your signing skills even further. As you continue your ASL journey, maintain an open mind and embrace the rich linguistic and cultural nuances of the deaf community. Keep signing and have fun!
