Greetings and welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “senior” in American Sign Language (ASL). ASL is a rich and expressive language used by the Deaf community in the United States and parts of Canada. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to convey the concept of “senior” in ASL, as well as some helpful tips, examples, and regional variations you may encounter along the way.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Senior” in ASL
When communicating formally or in professional settings, it’s important to use the appropriate signs for “senior.” Here are a few commonly used signs:
- Elder: To convey the idea of a respected older individual or senior, you can sign “elder.” Extend your dominant hand (usually your dominant hand is the one you write with) and place it in front of your mouth, then move it forward and slightly upward in small arcs.
- Respect+Age: Another way to signify “senior” in a more formal context is by combining the signs for “respect” and “age.” To sign “respect,” place your right hand over your heart – palm flat and facing inward – then move it away from your body. Follow this with the sign for “age” by holding both hands in a horizontal position, palms down, fingers extended and touching, and then move them apart, separating the fingers slightly.
Informal Ways to Say “Senior” in ASL
When communicating informally or among friends and family, ASL users often use more casual signs for “senior.” Here are a couple of common informal signs:
- Old: To indicate “senior” in an informal or colloquial manner, you can use the sign for “old.” Place the back of your non-dominant hand against your collarbone, then move your dominant hand downward in a brushing motion along the back of your hand.
- Experienced: Another informal way to refer to a “senior” is by using the sign for “experienced.” Interlace your fingers, keeping them in a horizontal position, and tap the back of your left hand against the top of your right palm a couple of times.
Tips and Examples for Using “Senior” in ASL
Here are some general tips and examples to help you incorporate the signs for “senior” effectively:
- Gesture or Clarify: If you are unsure which sign to use or want to emphasize the meaning, you can always gesture towards an older individual or clarify your intention through context or facial expressions.
- Respect and Awareness: When referring to an older person or acknowledging their seniority, it is important to do so with respect and awareness. Use a gentle tone and facial expression to convey your attitude.
- Modifiers for Specifics: If you need to specify the type of “senior” (e.g., senior citizen, senior executive), you can add appropriate modifiers before or after signing “senior” to increase clarity. For instance, you can sign “senior citizen” by combining the signs for “elder” and “citizen.”
Remember: ASL, like any language, is not solely about the signs but also about the context, facial expressions, and body language that convey meaning. Always consider the entire linguistic package when signing “senior” or any other concept.
Now that you have a solid understanding of various ways to say “senior” in ASL – both formally and informally – we encourage you to practice and engage with the Deaf community to develop fluency and cultural competence. Remember, learning ASL is more than just learning signs; it’s about embracing a vibrant culture and connecting with incredible individuals.
As you continue your ASL journey, enjoy the beauty of the language and the community it represents. Signing “senior” in ASL is just one small step towards becoming a proficient signer and mustering a deep appreciation for Deaf culture.
Happy signing!
