Sign language is a beautiful method of communication used by deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals worldwide. It allows for meaningful conversations, sharing emotions, and expressing various concepts. One common need for sign language users is conveying their age. In this guide, we will explore how to say your age in sign language, covering both formal and informal approaches. While regional variations exist, we will focus on the fundamental principles of signing age.
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Formal Ways to Sign Your Age
When it comes to sign language, formality can depend on the context, the relationship you have with the person you’re communicating with, or the setting you are in. Here are a few formal ways to express your age:
1. Sign your age digit by digit:
The first formal way to sign your age is by using your hand shape to represent the number corresponding to each digit of your age. For instance, if you are 23, hold your non-dominant hand up with the palm facing out. Then, touch your thumb to each of your fingertips, starting from the pinky finger, to indicate the individual digits.
2. Use the sign for “age”:
Another formal approach is utilizing the sign for “age.” With an open hand, place the thumb on your cheekbone and move the hand down your face while keeping your palm flat and your fingers together. This sign signifies the concept of age, and then you can follow it up by indicating the specific digit signs for your age.
Informal Ways to Sign Your Age
Informal signing often arises in casual conversations or among friends and family. These expressions can be more relaxed and may vary depending on the signing community. Here are a few informal ways to communicate your age:
1. Use your dominant hand:
Instead of signing digit by digit, you can simply use your dominant hand to fingerspell your age. Fingerspelling entails using the individual letters of the alphabet in sign language to spell out words or, in this case, numbers representing your age. Remember to maintain a confident and relaxed signing style while doing this.
2. Combine signs:
Another informal method is to combine sign language elements creatively. You can use a sign for a decade (e.g., “20”) and then add the corresponding digit sign (e.g., “3” for twenty-three). This technique allows for a smoother flow in signing, making it more informal and intuitive.
Examples of Signing Your Age
Here are a few examples that demonstrate both formal and informal ways to say your age:
Formal Examples:
- To sign “I am 15,” touch your non-dominant hand’s fingertips with your thumb sequentially to indicate the digits 1 and 5.
- To sign “I am 42,” utilize the sign for “age” by moving your hand downwards along your cheek while keeping your palm flat and fingers together, then follow it up with the digit signs for “4” and “2.”
Informal Examples:
- For a more casual approach, fingerspell “I am 18” by using the letters “I,” “A,” “M,” and the fingerspelled version of “18.”
- Another informal option could be signing “I am 35” by using the sign for “thirty” followed by the digit sign for “5.”
Remember, signing age may have some regional variations. If you are part of a specific signing community or learning from someone with a regional influence, it can be helpful to embrace these local adaptations to ensure effective communication and authenticity.
Now that you have a foundation in signing your age, whether it be in a formal or informal context, you can confidently engage in conversations with others in the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Always remember to be respectful, attentive, and open-minded while communicating in sign language. Happy signing!
