Greetings! In American Sign Language (ASL), conveying the concept of “struggle” can be done through various signs, expressions, and gestures. Whether you want to describe personal challenges, the perseverance required to overcome obstacles, or the general concept of struggle, this guide will provide you with both formal and informal ways to express it in ASL. Regional variations exist within ASL, but for the purpose of this guide, we’ll focus on the commonly used signs and variations that can be understood by signers across the United States.
Table of Contents
Formal ways to express “struggle” in ASL
1. Sign for “struggle” (Standard ASL):
When signing “struggle” in a formal context, use the sign that combines the concepts of effort and difficulty. Begin by forming both hands into “claw” shapes, with your fingers open and your palms facing your body. Then, repeatedly move your hands upward in a vertical motion, as if you’re pushing against resistance. This sign symbolizes the act of exerting effort and encountering difficulty, representing the concept of struggle in a formal manner.
2. Sign for “difficult” + “do”:
If you wish to describe a specific task or activity that is challenging or a struggle for you, combine the sign for “difficult” with the sign for “do.” To sign “difficult,” hold your dominant hand in a loose fist, with your thumb extended upward, and draw small circles over the center of your chest. Then, sign “do” by taking your dominant hand, forming a loose fist, and moving it in a short, upward arc, as if you’re pushing something forward and upward. Combining these signs will convey the message of struggling to complete a difficult task.
Informal ways to express “struggle” in ASL
1. Sign for “hard”:
In informal conversations, you can use the sign for “hard” to convey the idea of struggle. Hold out both hands in front of you, palms down, and extend your fingers slightly. Bounce your hands up and down a few times, as if you’re pushing down on a difficult surface. This sign represents the concept of encountering challenges or struggling with a particular situation in a more casual manner.
2. Facial expressions and body language:
Keep in mind that in ASL, facial expressions and body language play a vital role in conveying emotions and the intensity of struggle. To emphasize the level of difficulty or frustration, use a furrowed brow, puffed cheeks, or a determined facial expression. Combine these facial expressions with strong body language, such as tense movements or gestures that demonstrate resistance or pushing against an imaginary force, to further enhance your message of struggle.
Examples and Tips
Example Sentences:
- Formal: The student struggled to understand the complex math problem.
- Formal: Despite the difficulties, she kept pushing forward.
- Informal: It’s been hard for me to find a job in this economy.
- Informal: I’ve been struggling with my new workout routine.
Tips for Communicating “Struggle” Effectively:
Use appropriate facial expressions and body language to convey the intensity of the struggle.
Practice the signs and movements to ensure clarity and accuracy when signing “struggle” in ASL.
Pay attention to the context and adjust your signing accordingly—formal or informal signing style may be required depending on the situation.
Be mindful of regional variations if interacting with individuals from specific areas. While ASL has a standard set of signs, some regional differences may exist.
Remember that ASL is a visual language, so ensure that your signing is visible and easy to follow.
When conversing about personal struggles, sharing your experience respectfully and with empathy fosters better communication.
By using the formal and informal approaches mentioned above, along with appropriate facial expressions and body language, you can effectively communicate the concept of struggle in American Sign Language. Remember to practice, stay open to continuous learning, and have patience, as mastery of any language takes time and effort. Happy signing!
