How to Say “Remember” in ASL

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “remember” in American Sign Language (ASL). In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways of expressing this concept using ASL. We will also provide some tips, examples, and discuss any regional variations if necessary.

Formal Ways to Say “Remember” in ASL

In formal situations or when speaking with a higher level of respect, you can use the following signs to convey the meaning of “remember” in ASL:

Sign 1: Remember

To sign “remember” in a formal context, follow these steps:

1. Start with your dominant hand open and flat, fingers together.
2. Touch your temple with your fingertips.
3. Move your fingertips away from your temple in an arching motion while closing your hand into a fist.

This sign symbolizes the act of extracting and retaining information from your mind.

Sign 2: Recall

In formal situations, you can also use the sign for “recall” to convey the meaning of “remember.” To sign “recall” in ASL:

1. Hold your non-dominant hand flat, palm up and your dominant hand open and pointing forward in front of your non-dominant palm.
2. Move your dominant hand towards your body while keeping your fingers together.
3. Touch your non-dominant palm with your dominant fingers, representing the act of bringing something back to mind.

Using this sign reflects the action of retrieving information from memory.

Informal Ways to Say “Remember” in ASL

In informal situations, between friends or peers, the signs for “remember” can vary slightly in ASL. Here are a couple of informal signs:

Sign 1: Keep in Mind

In an informal setting, you can use the ASL sign for “keep in mind” to convey the meaning of “remember.” Follow these steps to sign “keep in mind”:

1. Position your non-dominant hand horizontally with your palm facing down.
2. Place your dominant hand flat, palm down, on top of your non-dominant hand.
3. Lift your dominant hand and bring it close to your forehead while keeping both hands together.

This sign represents the idea of “keeping something in mind” as a way of remembering it.

Sign 2: Don’t Forget

Another informal way to say “remember” in ASL is by using the sign for “don’t forget.” Follow these steps to sign “don’t forget”:

1. Extend your non-dominant arm in front of you with your palm facing up.
2. Hold your dominant hand with fingers spread open near your non-dominant palm.
3. Move your dominant hand from your non-dominant palm outwards in a descending motion, mimicking the act of letting go.

This sign is a friendly way to remind someone not to forget something.

Regional Variations

ASL, like any language, can have some regional variations. However, when it comes to the signs for “remember,” there aren’t significant regional differences. The signs described above are widely used across the United States and are generally understood by ASL users throughout the country.

Tips for Communicating Effectively in ASL

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using ASL:

• Remember to make eye contact with the person you are communicating with, as this is essential for maintaining engaged communication in ASL.
• Practice facial expressions and body language as they play a crucial role in conveying meaning in ASL.
• Keep your signs clear and distinct to ensure proper understanding.
• Take time to learn and respect Deaf culture, as ASL is closely tied to it.

Pro Tip: If you want to deepen your ASL skills, consider taking classes or participating in Deaf community events where you can practice communicating with native signers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are various ways to say “remember” in ASL, both formal and informal. The signs for “remember” can vary slightly depending on the context and level of formality. It’s important to adapt your signing style to match the situation you’re in. Remember, effective communication in ASL involves more than just signing; facial expressions, body language, and cultural awareness all contribute to clear and meaningful interactions. Now armed with this knowledge, go ahead and start incorporating the signs for “remember” into your signing vocabulary.