Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to express prices in American Sign Language (ASL)! Whether you’re engaging in everyday conversations or working in the retail industry, knowing how to discuss prices in ASL is an essential skill. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways of expressing prices, as well as provide tips, examples, and potential regional variations.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways of Expressing Prices
When it comes to formal situations, such as business transactions or professional settings, there are specific signs to indicate prices in ASL. Here are some key terms and phrases:
1. Dollar Sign
In ASL, you can indicate the concept of “dollar” by holding your non-dominant hand flat and using your dominant hand to form the letter ‘S’ with your index and middle fingers. Touch the flat palm of your non-dominant hand with the tip of your ‘S’ hand. This sign resembles the shape of a dollar sign.
Example:
Customer: How much is this item?
Salesperson: It costs $10.
(In ASL, salesperson would sign ‘DOLLAR’ and then use the appropriate number sign for ’10’.)
2. Cents
To express the concept of “cents,” extend your dominant hand’s middle finger while keeping the rest of your fingers curled into a fist. Tap the middle finger against your other hand’s flat palm. This sign represents the concept of counting cents.
Example:
Customer: How much is that book?
Salesperson: It costs $12.99.
(In ASL, salesperson would sign ‘DOLLAR’ and then fingerspell ’12’, followed by the sign for ‘CENT’. Finally, fingerspell ’99’ and emphasize the concept of cents.)
Informal Ways of Expressing Prices
Informal conversations among friends, family, or in casual settings often call for less formalized signs for expressing prices. While these signs may vary between regions and communities, the following are some commonly used informal ways of discussing prices in ASL:
1. Pointing and Facial Expressions
In casual situations, individuals often rely on pointing to indicate the price of an item. Point with your index finger and use appropriate facial expressions to convey the price confidently. This method is commonly used for quick exchanges or when the price doesn’t require detailed elaboration.
Example:
Friend 1: Hey, can you lend me $20?
Friend 2: Sure, here you go.
Friend 2 points to a $20 bill and hands it to Friend 1 while nodding affirmatively.
2. Simplified Numbers
In casual conversations, individuals may utilize simplified versions of number signs to convey prices quickly. This approach involves using abbreviated or simplified versions of number signs to represent the digits. For example, you can use the first letter of a number instead of fully signing the whole number.
Example:
Customer: How much for the two tomatoes?
Fruit Vendor: $3 per lb.
Fruit Vendor holds up two tomatoes and then uses the abbreviated sign for “3” before indicating ‘per pound’.
Tips for Expressing Prices in ASL
Regardless of the formality or informality of the situation, here are some general tips to ensure effective communication when discussing prices in ASL:
1. Be Clear and Confident
When signing prices, make sure your hand movements and facial expressions are clear and confident. This helps avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.
2. Use Appropriate Facial Expressions
Facial expressions play a crucial role in sign language. When signing prices, use appropriate facial expressions to convey the exact price or the significance of the cost.
3. Learn Regional Variations (If Applicable)
While ASL has a standard set of signs, regional variations in sign language can exist. If you’re part of a specific community or region, consider learning and adapting to any local variations in price signs to ensure better communication.
Conclusion
Mastering how to express prices in ASL is important for effective communication in various situations, whether formal or informal. By incorporating formal and informal methods, using appropriate facial expressions, and maintaining clarity, you can confidently engage in conversations involving prices. Remember to adapt to any regional variations if necessary, and practice regularly to enhance your ASL skills. Happy signing!
