How to Say “Rarely” in American Sign Language (ASL)

When it comes to expressing the concept of “rarely” in American Sign Language (ASL), there are a few approaches you can take. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to convey the meaning of “rarely” through various signs and expressions in ASL. Please note that while ASL has some regional variations, we will primarily focus on commonly used signs and gestures.

Formal Ways to Express “Rarely” in ASL

Formal expressions in ASL are often used in professional or educational settings. Here are some formal ways to convey the concept of “rarely” in ASL:

1. Sign Variation 1: One way to sign “rarely” formally is to use the sign for “seldom.” To do this, make an “S” handshape, but with your fingers touching each other rather than spread apart. Then, move your hand in a small downward arc. This sign represents the idea of something happening infrequently or only occasionally.
2. Sign Variation 2: Another formal sign for “rarely” in ASL is the combination of the signs for “not” and “often.” To do this, begin with an “index finger pointing upwards” handshape and tap it on the back of your non-dominant hand which is in a “flat hand”shape. This sign emphasizes the idea of an action being infrequent.

Remember that in formal situations, it’s important to use appropriate facial expressions and body language to convey your message clearly and professionally. Maintain eye contact, use appropriate facial expressions, and sign with confidence.

Informal Ways to Express “Rarely” in ASL

Informal expressions are common in casual conversations and everyday interactions. Here are a couple of informal ways to convey the meaning of “rarely” in ASL:

1. Sign Variation 1: One informal sign for “rarely” involves using the sign for “usually” and modifying it slightly. Begin with an “open hand” shape, palm facing inward, and fingers slightly spread apart. Then, twist your wrist slightly back and forth a few times. This sign indicates something happens less often than “usually.”
2. Sign Variation 2: Another informal way to express “rarely” in ASL is by using the sign for “occasionally.” Create an “O” hand shape, palm facing inward, and touch your fingertips to your chest. Move your hand in small circles a couple of times. This sign signifies that something occurs only occasionally or now and then.

Remember to adjust your signing style and body language based on the context and the level of familiarity with your conversation partner. Informal settings generally allow for greater relaxation in signing style, including variations in facial expressions and body movements.

Tips and Examples

Here are some additional tips and examples to help you master the art of conveying “rarely” in ASL:

Tip 1: Context is key! Make sure the signs for “rarely” are used in appropriate contexts to avoid confusion.

Tip 2: Observe native signers to learn the subtle nuances of signing “rarely” in different situations.

Tip 3: Practice expressive facial expressions to add meaning and emphasis to your signs for “rarely.”

Let’s look at a few examples to illustrate the use of the signs described:

• Example 1: Imagine you are talking about how often you go to the movies. To express that you rarely go, you can sign “not often” or “seldom” while adding appropriate facial expressions and maybe even a slight head shake.
• Example 2: Suppose you are discussing how frequently you eat out at restaurants. To convey that you rarely do so, you can use the sign for “occasionally” or modify the sign for “usually” to indicate a lower frequency.

Remember to use your body language and facial expressions to reinforce your message and make it more engaging!