When communicating using American Sign Language (ASL), it’s important to have a firm grasp on basic vocabulary. One such word that frequently comes up in conversations is “month.” In this guide, we will explore the various ways of expressing “month” in ASL, including both formal and informal ways. We’ll also touch on regional variations, where necessary, and provide you with plenty of tips and examples along the way. So, let’s dive in and expand our ASL vocabulary!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Sign “Month” in ASL
Formal ways of signing “month” in ASL usually follow the established signs widely recognized within the Deaf community.
Sign for “Month”
The most common and formal way to sign “month” is by using the ASL sign for “month.” Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Extend your non-dominant hand flat in front of you, palm facing up.
Step 2: With your dominant hand, place it on top of your non-dominant hand with all fingers extended and gently tap your non-dominant hand once.
This sign resembles the idea of marking a day off on a calendar, emphasizing the passing of time that occurs within a month.
Fingerspelling
Another formal approach to signing “month” is through fingerspelling each letter (‘m’, ‘o’, ‘n’, ‘t’, ‘h’) using the American Manual Alphabet. This method is especially useful when spelling out specific months or talking about months in a more detailed context.
For example, to talk about the month of September, you would fingerspell “S-E-P-T-E-M-B-E-R” in the ASL alphabet.
Informal Ways to Sign “Month” in ASL
Informal ways of signing “month” in ASL often involve using signs that are more colloquial and commonly used within certain signing communities.
“Moon” Sign
The use of the “moon” sign to represent “month” is a popular informal variation that you may encounter in casual conversations. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Hold your non-dominant hand flat, palm facing up.
Step 2: With your dominant hand, create a small crescent shape with your thumb and index finger.
Step 3: Gently tap your non-dominant hand with the crescent shape you created using your dominant hand.
This variation likely derives from the association of the moon’s phases with the passage of time.
Regional Variations
Throughout different regions and communities using ASL, some variations in signs for “month” may exist. While the signs we’ve covered so far are widely recognized, it’s essential to be aware that minor differences may occur. It’s always a good idea to learn from and adapt to the signing styles of the local Deaf community you are interacting with.
Tips for Improving Your ASL Vocabulary
Expanding your ASL vocabulary takes practice and dedication. Here are a few tips to help you along the way:
- Immerse Yourself: Try to immerse yourself in ASL as much as possible, whether it be through attending sign language classes, participating in Deaf events, or watching ASL videos online. The more exposure you have, the more comfortable and proficient you’ll become.
- Practice Regularly: Dedicate time to practice signing on a regular basis. Consistent practice will help improve both your signing fluency and your ability to remember and recall vocabulary.
- Interact with the Deaf Community: Engaging with the Deaf community allows you to connect with native signers and learn from their experiences. It’s also an excellent opportunity to practice your signing skills in real-life scenarios.
- Use Online Resources: Take advantage of the abundance of online resources available to learn and enhance your ASL vocabulary. Websites, apps, and videos can provide you with further examples, explanations, and signing demonstrations.
- Be Patient and Persistent: Learning a new language takes time, so be patient with yourself. Celebrate every small victory along the way, and don’t let obstacles discourage you. Persistence and perseverance will eventually lead to success!
Remember, ASL is a beautiful and rich language that varies across communities and generations. Embrace the diversity, continue learning, and have fun as you expand your ASL vocabulary!
