Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “soon” in American Sign Language (ASL). Whether you’re looking for formal or informal ways to express this concept, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll explore different regional variations only if necessary. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of ASL and learn how to express “soon” in various contexts!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Soon” in ASL
When it comes to formal ASL, there are a couple of different signs you can use to convey the meaning of “soon.” The specific sign you choose may depend on the context, regional variations, or personal preference. Let’s explore some of the formal options:
1. Sign: SOON
If you want to express “soon” in a formal setting, the most common sign used is the sign for “soon.” To sign “soon” formally in ASL, follow these simple steps:
- Hold your dominant hand, palm facing down, in front of your chest with fingers together and slightly curved.
- Move your hand forward and gently shake your fingers a few times while maintaining the curved handshape.
Here is an example of how you can use the sign for “soon” in a formal sentence:
Example: The meeting will start soon.
Gloss: MEETING START WILL SOON.
2. Sign: FUTURE
Another formal way to convey the concept of “soon” in ASL is by using the sign for “future.” To sign “future” formally, follow these steps:
- Hold your dominant hand, palm facing downward, near your shoulder.
- Extend your arm forward while maintaining a gentle curve in your fingers.
- Once your hand is fully extended, rotate it in a clockwise motion as if outlining a circle in front of you.
Here’s an example of how you can incorporate the sign for “future” into a formal sentence:
Example: We will finish the project soon.
Gloss: PROJECT FINISH WILL FUTURE.
Informal Ways to Say “Soon” in ASL
Informal ASL often includes signs that are more casual and may vary slightly among different regions. Here are a few common ways to express “soon” informally in ASL:
1. Sign: CLOSE
In informal situations, many ASL users simply use the sign for “close” to convey the idea of “soon.” Here’s how you can sign “close” informally:
- Hold your dominant hand, palm facing you, in front of you with fingers together.
- Move your hand towards your non-dominant hand, which acts as a point of reference, and bring your thumb and fingertips together as if closing an imaginary gap.
Let’s see an example of using the sign for “close” in an informal sentence:
Example: The movie will start soon, so grab your popcorn!
Gloss: MOVIE START CLOSE, POPCORN GRAB!
2. Sign: NEAR FUTURE
Another informal way to express “soon” in ASL is by using the sign for “near future.” This sign is often used conversationally to indicate something happening “soon.” Here’s how you can sign “near future” informally:
- Extend your dominant hand, palm facing up, slightly in front of you.
- With your other hand, pinch your thumb and index finger together and move it towards your open palm without touching it, representing the idea of something being close but not yet arrived.
Let’s see an example sentence using the sign for “near future” in an informal setting:
Example: We should hang out soon!
Gloss: HANG-OUT SHOULD NEAR-FUTURE!
Regional Variations
While ASL is a primarily visual language, regional variations can still be found, influencing certain signs and gestures. The signs introduced in this guide are widely used and understood across different regions. However, keep in mind that some variations may exist. If you encounter those variations, be open to learning from the local Deaf community.
Wrapping Up
Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of our comprehensive guide on how to say “soon” in ASL. We’ve explored both formal and informal ways to express this concept and have provided step-by-step instructions, tips, and examples for your reference. Remember, ASL is a dynamic language, so being open to regional variations and actively engaging with the Deaf community will enhance your signing skills. Practice regularly and immerse yourself in the world of ASL to become a proficient signer. Soon enough, you’ll be signing “soon” with confidence!
