Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “play video games” in American Sign Language (ASL). Whether you want to learn formal or informal ways of expressing this concept, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll provide you with various tips and examples to help you understand and communicate this idea effectively. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Way: “Play Video Games”
When communicating formally in ASL, you can use a specific sign for “play” followed by a combination of gestures to represent “video games.” Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:
- Sign for “Play”: Begin with both hands extended in front of your chest, palms facing down. Using your dominant hand, form an “A” handshape, and tap it onto the non-dominant hand, which acts as a base. This sign represents the concept of “play.”
- Sign for “Video Games”: The sign for “video games” is a combination of two signs. First, make a “V” handshape with your dominant hand and move it forward twice in front of your face. This sign represents the concept of “video.” Then, transition to the sign for “games” by holding both hands, palms down, in front of you, fingers spread apart and slightly bent. Bring your hands together in a circular motion while keeping your fingertips still. This sign represents the concept of “games.”
- Merge the Signs: To combine “play” and “video games,” perform the sign for “play” as described in the first step, and then immediately transition to the sign for “video games” in the second step. This smooth merging will convey the complete concept of “play video games” in formal ASL.
Remember to always maintain good eye contact and use appropriate facial expressions while signing to enhance your communication.
Informal Way: “Play Video Games”
In informal settings, like amongst friends or peers, you might find a variation in the sign for “play video games.” Informal ASL tends to evolve and adapt over time, incorporating the influence of regional variations, individual preferences, and cultural context. Here’s a common informal way of expressing “play video games” in ASL:
The sign for “play” in informal ASL often involves extending the index and middle finger of your dominant hand while keeping your thumb tucked in, and then moving your hand in an up-and-down motion close to your body. This sign represents the general concept of “play.” Next, some individuals extend their nondominant hand’s index finger in front of their body and use their dominant hand’s index finger to tap the tip of the nondominant index finger a few times. This tapping motion represents the idea of “video games.” Therefore, combining these two signs effectively conveys “play video games” in an informal manner.
Note that informal signs can vary between regions and even among individuals. It’s always best to adapt and learn from the people you are communicating with directly.
Tips and Examples:
Here are some additional tips and examples to enhance your understanding of signing “play video games” in ASL:
- Show Enthusiasm: When signing “play video games,” incorporating an enthusiastic facial expression and body language can help convey your excitement and enjoyment.
- Vary Signing Speed: Adjusting your signing speed can add emphasis or convey different nuances. For example, slower signing can indicate a more thoughtful, strategic approach to playing video games, while faster signing can imply a sense of excitement or intensity.
- Use Space: Utilize the space in front of you while signing to represent virtual gaming environments. For instance, imagine a wide-open space while signing to enhance the experience of playing in vast virtual worlds.
Now let’s take a look at a couple of example sentences using the signs for “play” and “video games” to help you practice:
“I love to play video games in my free time!”
“Let’s get together and play video games this weekend!”
Remember, ASL is a visual language, so practicing signing and receiving feedback from fluent signers is crucial for improving your skills.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve completed our guide on how to say “play video games” in ASL. You now understand the formal and informal ways of expressing this concept and have learned valuable tips to enhance your signing skills. Keep practicing and engaging with the Deaf community to further develop your ASL fluency. Enjoy your gaming adventures while sharing the experience with others through the beautiful language of ASL!
