Retirement is a milestone many individuals look forward to after a long and fulfilling career. Whether you are learning American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate with a retired loved one or simply expanding your ASL vocabulary, it’s important to know how to express the concept of “retired” in ASL. In this guide, we will explore both the formal and informal ways to convey this meaning in ASL, providing you with various examples, tips, and regional variations if necessary.
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Formal Way to Say “Retired” in ASL
When expressing the formal term for “retired” in ASL, you can use the sign for “FINISH” combined with the sign for “WORK” or “JOB.” Here’s how you can do it:
Formal Sign for “Retired”: Begin with both hands in a closed fist, palms facing downward. Move your dominant hand up and away from your non-dominant hand, ending with the dominant hand flat, palm facing down. Then, transition smoothly to the sign for “WORK” or “JOB” by placing the knuckles of your dominant hand on the back of your non-dominant hand, then move the dominant hand to be level with your dominant shoulder and rotate it slightly while keeping a relaxed wrist.
Remember, the sign for “retired” is not strictly defined in ASL, so this formal sign is widely recognized as conveying the concept without ambiguity, especially in a formal setting or with individuals who are more familiar with ASL.
Informal Ways to Say “Retired” in ASL
ASL is a vibrant and flexible language that allows for various ways to express concepts. To convey “retired” in a more informal manner, you can use signs that represent the idea of being done with work or enjoying one’s post-work life. Here are a few informal signs to choose from:
1. Free
The sign for “FREE” can be used to suggest or imply retirement casually. This sign is often used to communicate the idea of having the freedom that comes after leaving a job or career behind.
2. Relax
The sign for “RELAX” is another informal way to convey retirement in ASL. It signifies the relaxation and leisure that retirement often brings.
3. Enjoy Life
To express the sentiment of enjoying life after retirement, you can sign “ENJOY” followed by the sign for “LIFE”. This combination captures the essence of savoring the newfound freedom and pursuing enjoyable activities.
Remember, these informal signs may vary slightly depending on the region or the specific signing community you are communicating with. However, they are generally understood and commonly used within the ASL community.
Tips for Using ASL to Discuss Retirement
When discussing retirement or any topic in ASL, it is essential to keep a few tips in mind:
1. Facial Expressions
ASL is not solely dependent on hand movements. Facial expressions are an integral part of conveying emotions and nuances. Make sure to use appropriate facial expressions that align with the meaning you intend to express. When signing about retirement, you may want to show contentment, joy, or relief on your face.
2. Use Non-Manual Signals
Alongside facial expressions, non-manual signals such as head tilting, shoulder shrugging, or body posture can play a significant role in conveying meaning. Experiment with these signals to enhance your signing and make it more expressive.
3. Context Matters
Like any language, ASL relies heavily on context. Ensure that the conversation or situation provides sufficient contextual information for the sign for “retired” to be understood precisely. If necessary, you can clarify your meaning by expanding on your signing or using fingerspelling.
Conclusion
Learning how to say “retired” in ASL allows you to communicate effectively with the deaf community and celebrate this significant milestone in someone’s life. Whether you opt for the formal sign using “FINISH” and “WORK,” or choose an informal sign that represents freedom, relaxation, or enjoying life, remember to incorporate appropriate facial expressions and non-manual signals to enhance your signing. By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll become more skilled in expressing the concept of retirement in ASL.
Keep in mind that ASL is a dynamic language, and regional variations may exist within the signing community. Embrace the diversity and continuously expand your signing repertoire to communicate effectively with deaf individuals from various backgrounds.
