Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “professor” in American Sign Language (ASL). Whether you’re looking to address a professor or discuss a professor with someone, it’s important to know the various ways “professor” can be signed, both formally and informally. In this guide, you will learn the commonly used signs for “professor” in ASL, including tips, examples, and some regional variations if applicable.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Professor in ASL
When addressing a professor in a formal context, such as in an academic setting or during a formal conversation, you can use the following signs:
Sign 1: Formal Sign for Professor
To sign “professor” formally, you can use the sign that represents the word “teacher” followed by the fingerspelled letter “P” on your dominant hand. This sign demonstrates respect and is commonly recognized.
TIP: While signing “professor” formally, maintain eye contact and a respectful facial expression to convey politeness.
Example Sentence: “Yesterday, I had a meeting with Professor Martinez.”
Sign 2: Third-Finger-Tip Tap
Another formal sign for “professor” involves gently tapping the third finger on your dominant hand against your chin, near your mouth. This sign symbolizes knowledge and expertise and is a respectful way to refer to professors.
TIP: Make sure your tapping gesture is gentle and subtle to maintain formality.
Example Sentence: “Professor Johnson’s lecture was insightful and thought-provoking.”
Informal Ways to Say Professor in ASL
In less formal situations, when interacting with peers or having casual conversations, you can use the following signs:
Sign 3: Informal Sign for Professor
To sign “professor” informally, you can use the sign for “teacher” with a relaxed handshape and a slight sideways movement. This sign is often used among friends or when referring to professors casually.
TIP: Remember to match your signing style to the level of formality in the conversation.
Example Sentence: “Have you done the homework for Professor Anderson’s class yet?”
Regional Variations
While ASL is a standardized sign language, there may still be some regional variations in how “professor” is signed. These variations are usually minor and don’t hinder communication, but it’s always beneficial to be aware of them. Here are a couple of examples:
Regional Variation 1: Pointing Sign
In some regions, instead of using the signs mentioned above, pointing at the person being referred to may be acceptable. When using the pointing sign, ensure your facial expression maintains respect and courtesy.
Regional Variation 2: Modified “Teacher” Sign
Another regional variation involves modifying the sign for “teacher” to represent “professor.” In this variation, the handshape may differ slightly or include an additional movement, depending on the region.
Remember, regional variations are not common but may exist in some areas. When in doubt, observe the signing style of the local Deaf community or ask for clarification.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing how to sign “professor” in ASL, both formally and informally, allows you to effectively communicate in various contexts. Remember to maintain respect and match the formality of the situation when using these signs. Additionally, while regional variations in signing exist, they are usually minor and shouldn’t hinder communication. By expanding your ASL vocabulary, you can better engage with the Deaf community and build meaningful connections. Enjoy your journey of learning ASL and using it to communicate inclusively!
