When communicating in any language, it’s essential to be able to express the concept of “right now.” In American Sign Language (ASL), there are various ways to convey the immediacy of an action or event. We’ll explore both formal and informal signs for “right now” in ASL, highlighting any regional variations if necessary. Whether you’re a beginner or well-versed in ASL, this guide will provide you with tips, examples, and insights to enhance your signing skills.
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Formal Ways to Say “Right Now” in ASL
Formal signs are commonly used in educational and professional settings, requiring a slightly more precise and standardized approach. Here are three formal ways to express “right now” in ASL:
- Sign: “NOW”
The most straightforward and commonly used formal sign for “right now” in ASL is simply fingerspelling the word “NOW.” Start with the palm facing inward, fingers together, and then bring your hand forward in a small arc, ending with your palm facing outward. This quick movement indicates immediacy.
Example: Imagine you’re in a meeting discussing project deadlines, and you urgently emphasize, “We need to finish this task now!”
- Sign: “THIS SECOND”
To convey an even stronger sense of immediacy, you can use the sign for “THIS SECOND” in ASL. Hold your non-dominant hand steady, palm facing up, then tap the wrist area of your dominant hand with the index finger of your non-dominant hand twice. This sign emphasizes the immediate moment.
Example: If you’re dashing to catch a departing train, you might sign to a fellow traveler, “We have to hurry to catch the train this second!”
- Sign: “IMMEDIATELY”
Another formal way to express “right now” in ASL is by signing “IMMEDIATELY.” Place your non-dominant hand open with the palm facing up, then bring the fingers of your dominant hand down onto the palm of your non-dominant hand in a swift, tapping motion. This sign indicates an urgent need for action.
Example: In a classroom, a teacher might instruct their students: “Please stop talking and start working immediately!”
Informal Ways to Say “Right Now” in ASL
Informal signs in ASL may vary more between regions or personal preferences, allowing for a more relaxed, expressive approach. Here are three informal ways to convey “right now” in ASL:
- Sign: “NOW” with Head Bob
An informal variation of the formal “NOW” sign involves adding a quick head bob after signing “NOW.” Along with signing “NOW” as described earlier, slightly tilt your head downwards and then back up. This additional movement adds emphasis and a sense of urgency to the sign.
Example: Informally telling a friend, “Let’s grab dinner now!” with the head bob reinforces your immediate desire to eat.
- Sign: “RIGHT-AWAY”
Informally, you can use the sign for “RIGHT-AWAY” to express “right now” in ASL. Simply point your index finger from your dominant hand forward, draw a small clockwise circle, then move your hand directly ahead. This sign conveys a sense of immediacy combined with action.
Example: Excitedly signing “I want to open my birthday presents right-away!” to your friends demonstrates your eagerness.
- Sign: “THIS INSTANT”
Using the sign for “THIS INSTANT” is another informal option to express “right now” in ASL. Point with your index finger from your non-dominant hand to the palm of your dominant hand, bringing your non-dominant hand up slightly. This sign suggests an immediate action or response.
Example: Playfully asking a sibling, “Can you help me with my homework this instant?” conveys a sense of immediacy combined with a touch of urgency.
Regional Variations and Considerations
ASL is a rich and diverse language, with some regional variations in signs. While the above examples represent commonly used signs for “right now” in ASL, please be aware that variations might exist depending on your location or personal interactions within the Deaf community. When learning ASL, it’s always beneficial to engage with native signers or instructors familiar with regional differences to refine your signing skills.
Practice and Tips for Learning ASL
Now that you have learned several ways to say “right now” in ASL, here are some helpful practice tips:
- Immerse Yourself: Surround yourself with ASL resources like videos, online courses, and Deaf events to expose yourself to signing styles, regional variations, and cultural aspects.
- Seek Feedback: Practice with fluent signers and ask for feedback on your signing. Constructive criticism will help refine your skills and ensure clarity of your messages.
- Practice with Others: Find ASL study groups or language exchange partners to practice signing in a supportive and interactive environment.
- Mirror Practice: Use a mirror to observe your signing, paying attention to handshapes, motions, facial expressions, and body language. This self-reflection will help you improve your overall signing fluency.
- Watch ASL Videos: Expand your signing repertoire by watching a variety of ASL videos online. Observe different signers and familiarize yourself with their signing styles.
Remember, learning ASL is an ongoing journey, so be patient, persistent, and respectful of Deaf culture. Your dedication will contribute to effective communication and meaningful connections within the Deaf community.
Enjoy your ASL learning experience as you embrace the beautiful language of signs!
