Welcome to our guide on how to say “return” in American Sign Language (ASL). Whether you want to learn the formal or informal way to express this keyword, we’ve got you covered. We’ll provide various tips, examples, and discuss potential regional variations in ASL signs if necessary. So, let’s dive in and explore how to sign “return” in ASL!
Table of Contents
Formal Way to Sign “Return” in ASL
When signing “return” in a formal setting, such as during a professional conversation or in an academic environment, you can use a specific sign. Follow these steps to accurately sign “return” in ASL:
- Hold your non-dominant hand with the palm facing up, fingers slightly apart, and your dominant hand’s fingertips together.
- With your dominant hand, tap your non-dominant hand’s palm once gently.
- Repeat the tapping motion a couple of times to emphasize the action of returning or coming back.
Remember to maintain a confident and clear hand motion while signing “return” formally. It’s essential to ensure your palm and finger movements are visible to the person you are communicating with.
Informal Way to Sign “Return” in ASL
In informal settings, such as casual conversations among friends or family members, you have more flexibility with your signing style. Here’s an informal way to sign “return” in ASL:
- Start with both hands in loose fists, with your thumbs extended and pointing towards the sky.
- Bring both hands downward towards your body, with the thumbs ending near your chest area.
- Quickly reverse the motion and bring your fists back up, opening your hands in the process.
- Repeat the upward and downward motion a few times, emphasizing the returning action.
The informal sign for “return” offers a more fluid and relaxed movement, reflecting the context of a friendly conversation. While maintaining clarity, you can also add facial expressions and body language to convey the informal tone effectively.
Regional Variations
ASL signs can sometimes have regional variations, influenced by the respective deaf communities. However, for the keyword “return,” the signs described above are widely used throughout the United States in both formal and informal situations. These signs are taught in ASL classes and understood by a large number of signers.
Tips and Examples for Signing “Return” in ASL
To improve your ASL signing skills for “return,” consider the following tips and examples:
- Practice Facial Expressions: Use facial expressions that match the context when signing “return.” For example, in a formal setting, maintain a neutral facial expression, whereas in an informal setting, you can incorporate a friendly smile.
- Clear Handshapes: Keep your handshapes distinct and easily readable. Fingerspelling “R-E-T-U-R-N” is not necessary for the signs described above but can be added for emphasis if desired.
- Sign Placement: Pay attention to where you position your signs to ensure they are visible to the person you are communicating with. Avoid excessive overlaps with your body or other objects that could obscure the signing.
- Repetition: Repeat the signing motion a few times to convey the concept of “return” more clearly.
Example Dialogue:
Person A: Hey, did you return the book to the library?
Person B: Yes, I did. I returned it this morning as soon as the library opened.
Remember, practice and exposure to signers fluent in ASL are key to mastering the nuances of signing “return.” The more you engage with the deaf community and communicate with signers, the better you’ll become at understanding and using ASL effectively.
Learning ASL not only helps you communicate with deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals but also opens up a vibrant and inclusive community where you can connect with people on a deeper level. Embrace the journey of learning ASL and enjoy the rich linguistic and cultural experience it offers!
