Greetings! In this guide, we will explore different ways to express the concept of “older” in American Sign Language (ASL). As with any language, ASL has various ways to convey age and maturity. Although there may be regional variations in how signs are used, we will primarily focus on widely understood formal and informal signs. Your journey to learning ASL just got a little bit more exciting! Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Sign “Older”
When it comes to formal ASL, there are a few signs commonly used to express the concept of “older.” These signs serve as a proper and respectful way to address age in formal settings:
- Sign: OLD
To convey the idea of “older” in a formal manner, use the sign for “OLD.” Start by extending your non-dominant hand in front of you, palm up, and then gently tap the top of the extended hand with your dominant hand’s fingertips once or twice. This sign signifies wisdom gained through age and experience. - Sign: MATURE
Another formal sign for “older” is “MATURE.” Hold your non-dominant hand flat, palm up and facing forward, slightly in front of your body. With your dominant hand’s fingertips, brush upward from your non-dominant forearm, indicating growth and maturity.
Remember, using these formal signs is important when addressing elders, individuals you’ve just met, or in professional settings. Now, let’s explore some informal ways to sign “older” in ASL!
Informal Ways to Sign “Older”
Informal signs for “older” are commonly used among friends, family, or peers. These signs have a more relaxed and conversational tone. Let’s explore a couple of them:
- Sign: BIG
One informal way to express the concept of “older” is by signing “BIG.” Extend your non-dominant arm forward, palm facing upward, and use your dominant hand’s thumb and index finger to illustrate a larger size in the air. This sign metaphorically represents someone who has “grown bigger” with age. - Sign: MANY YEARS
Another informal sign involves using the phrase “MANY YEARS.” Extend both hands, palms facing each other, fingers slightly spread apart. Move your hands up and down in quick, small bouncing motions as if indicating the accumulation of numerous years of experience.
These informal signs are suitable for conversations with friends, family members, and individuals you share a close and comfortable relationship with. Remember to always consider the context and your relationship with the person you are communicating with.
Examples and Tips for Signing “Older”
It’s always helpful to see examples when learning a new language! Here are some scenarios where signing “older” can be applied:
Example 1:
You meet a new person at a social event, and they appear to be more mature than you. You can use the formal sign for “OLD” to respectfully address their maturity: Tap the top of your extended non-dominant hand using your dominant hand’s fingertips, indicating your recognition of their wisdom.
Example 2:
When talking to a close friend or family member and discussing someone else’s age, you can use an informal sign for “BIG” to express that they are older than the individual you are currently talking about. It adds a friendly and casual touch to the conversation.
When signing “older,” keep these tips in mind:
- Be mindful of your facial expressions, as they play a crucial role in conveying the correct meaning and emotion.
- Take into account the cultural background and context of the people you are communicating with. Some signs or gestures may have different interpretations among different cultural groups.
- Always ensure your signs are clear and distinct, allowing effective communication.
- Practice regularly with a native ASL speaker or a reliable learning resource to improve your fluency and proficiency.
Remember, ASL is a vibrant and expressive language, so it’s essential to continuously seek opportunities to learn and immerse yourself in the Deaf community.
In conclusion, we’ve explored both formal and informal ways to sign “older” in ASL. The formal signs “OLD” and “MATURE” are more appropriate in professional or unfamiliar settings, while the informal signs “BIG” and “MANY YEARS” are commonly used among friends and family. Remember the provided examples, tips, and practice regularly to enhance your signing skills. Happy signing and connecting with the Deaf community!
