Welcome to this guide on how to say the word “start” in American Sign Language (ASL). Sign language is a beautiful and expressive way of communication used by the Deaf community. By learning how to sign different words and phrases, you can effectively communicate with individuals who use ASL as their primary means of communication. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to sign “start” in ASL, providing tips, examples, and even regional variations where necessary.
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Formal Way to Sign “Start” in ASL
When signing “start” in a formal context, such as during a presentation, lecture, or in a professional setting, it is best to use the formal sign. Here’s how:
Hold your non-dominant hand, palm facing up, in front of you about chest level. With your dominant hand in a flat ASL handshape, fingers together and slightly curved, bring it down toward your non-dominant hand and touch the base of your hand with your fingertips. Then, move your dominant hand forward, away from your body, in a smooth motion while keeping it facing down.
Remember to maintain a steady and controlled movement while signing “start” formally. This sign indicates the beginning of an action, event, or process.
Informal Way to Sign “Start” in ASL
When signing “start” in a more casual or informal setting, such as a friendly conversation with friends or family, the informal sign is commonly used. Here’s how to sign “start” informally:
With your dominant hand in a flat ASL handshape, fingers together and slightly curved, place it on top of your non-dominant hand, which is held with your palm facing up about chest level. Then, move your dominant hand forward, away from your body, in a quick and fluid motion while keeping it facing down.
The informal sign for “start” emphasizes a more relaxed and rapid movement, suitable for informal conversations and everyday interactions.
Tips and Examples for Signing “Start” in ASL
Here are some useful tips and examples to help you get a better grasp of signing “start” in ASL:
1. Maintain Eye Contact
Just like in spoken language, maintaining eye contact with the person you are signing with is crucial. It shows respect and engagement in the conversation, creating a deeper connection.
2. Facial Expressions Matter
ASL relies heavily on facial expressions to convey meaning and emotions. When signing “start,” ensure your facial expressions match the context. For example, when signing “start” formally, maintain a neutral and professional expression.
3. Practice with Fluent Signers
Engaging with fluent signers in the Deaf community or taking ASL classes can tremendously enhance your signing skills. Regular practice and observation of experienced signers will help you refine your technique and fluency.
4. Contextualize Your Signing
In ASL, context is essential. Consider the specific situation or sentence in which you want to use the sign for “start” and make sure it aligns with your intended meaning. The context will help ensure clear communication.
Example Sentence 1:
“We will start the meeting at 9 AM sharp.”
Example Sentence 2:
“What time does the movie start?”
Regional Variations
In general, ASL follows a universal foundation, but certain signs may vary across regions or even individuals. It’s important to note that variations can exist, and new signs may emerge within specific communities. To ensure effective communication, it’s best to adapt to the signing style of your conversation partner and be open to variations.
However, with regards to signing “start,” there are no significant regional variations to be aware of. The formal and informal signs mentioned in this guide are widely accepted and used throughout the ASL community.
Learning how to sign “start” in ASL opens the door to better communication with the Deaf community, fosters inclusivity, and shows respect for diversity. Keep practicing, engaging with the Deaf community, and expanding your ASL vocabulary to become a more proficient signer.
Now that you’ve learned how to sign “start” in both formal and informal contexts, keep building on your sign language skills and discover new words and phrases to expand your ASL proficiency!
