Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say numbers in American Sign Language (ASL). Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand your signing skills, numbers are an essential part of ASL communication. In this guide, we will cover the formal and informal ways of expressing numbers in ASL, providing various tips and examples along the way.
Table of Contents
Formal ASL Number Signs
In ASL, there is a set of formal signs used to represent numbers. These signs are universally understood and commonly used in a formal setting:
Tip: When signing formal numbers, remember to use your palm orientation to indicate the specific number. Also, keep in mind that numbers greater than 10 can be expressed by combining these signs.
0-5: The “Open Hand” Method
In ASL, the numbers from zero to five are represented using the “open hand” method. Each number has a specific handshape:
- 0: Keep your hand open, with all fingers extended and palm facing outwards.
- 1: Close your fist, leaving just your pointer finger extended.
- 2: Close your fist, leaving your pointer finger and middle finger extended.
- 3: Close your fist, leaving your pointer finger, middle finger, and ring finger extended.
- 4: Close your fist, leaving your four fingers pressed against your thumb.
- 5: Keep your hand open, with all fingers extended and palm facing towards you.
6-9: The “Bent Finger” Method
For the numbers six to nine, the “bent finger” method is used. Each number has a unique finger bent:
- 6: Close your fist with your thumb resting on top of your fingers.
- 7: Extend your pointer finger, while keeping the rest of your hand in a fist.
- 8: Extend your middle finger, while keeping the rest of your hand in a fist.
- 9: Extend your ring finger, while keeping the rest of your hand in a fist.
10-15: The “Base-10” Method
For numbers beyond nine, ASL utilizes the “base-ten” method. To represent numbers from 10 to 15, combine the number sign for 10 with the number signs from zero to five:
- 10: Use the sign for “10”, followed by the sign for the specific number from zero to five.
- 11: Use the sign for “10”, followed by the sign for the number one.
- 12: Use the sign for “10”, followed by the sign for the number two.
- 13: Use the sign for “10”, followed by the sign for the number three.
- 14: Use the sign for “10”, followed by the sign for the number four.
- 15: Use the sign for “10”, followed by the sign for the number five.
Informal ASL Number Signs
While the formal number signs are widely used, informal variations may also exist, especially among close-knit signing communities. These variations are not standardized and may differ from region to region. Here are some examples of informal ASL number signs:
Note: Informal number signs might not be understood by every ASL user. It’s essential to adapt to your audience or clarify if you encounter an unfamiliar variation.
Informal variations can include modifications to handshape, location, or movement. For example:
- 3: Instead of extending the three middle fingers, some people simply extend the thumb, index finger, and pinky finger, making a “W” shape with the hand.
- 7: Instead of extending the pointer finger, some individuals use their middle finger.
- 9: Instead of extending the ring finger, some people extend the pinky finger.
Remember, while these informal variations may be acceptable among certain signing communities, it’s important to practice the formal number signs initially to ensure clear communication across all ASL users.
Examples of Numbers in ASL
To illustrate how the number signs are used in ASL, let’s take a look at some examples:
- To sign “20,” use the sign for “20” followed by the sign for “0.”
- To sign “37,” use the sign for “30” followed by the sign for “7.”
- To sign “42,” use the sign for “40” followed by the sign for “2.”
- To sign “58,” use the sign for “50” followed by the sign for “8.”
- To sign “99,” use the sign for “9” twice.
Remember to practice expressing different numbers in ASL to enhance your fluency and accuracy.
In conclusion, mastering numbers in ASL is fundamental to effective communication. By using the formal number signs as a foundation and adapting to informal variations when necessary, you’ll be well-equipped to express numbers confidently in ASL.
We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights and practical examples to enhance your understanding of how to say numbers in ASL. Happy signing!
