Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “student” in American Sign Language (ASL). ASL is a vibrant language used by the deaf and hard of hearing community in the United States and parts of Canada. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to express this concept. We will also provide some tips, examples, and highlight any relevant regional variations. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Student” in ASL
When it comes to formal situations, such as within educational or professional contexts, you can use the following signs for “student” in ASL:
Sign: STUDENT [One-handed Fingerspelling Gesture]
The most common way to sign “student” in ASL is by using one-handed fingerspelling. Simply spell out the letters “S-T-U-D-E-N-T” one by one, using the ASL manual alphabet. Ensure your fingers are clearly visible as you form each letter. This is a clear and concise way to communicate “student” in formal settings.
Informal Ways to Say “Student” in ASL
For more casual or everyday conversations, ASL offers a few alternative signs for “student.” Let’s explore these informal variations:
Sign: STUDENT [Two-handed Version]
In informal settings, you can use a two-handed version of the fingerspelled “STUDENT” sign mentioned earlier. With both hands, form the letter ‘S’ and then move them outward and downwards in a slightly curved motion. This variation adds a bit of flair to your signing and is commonly used among friends and peers.
Tip for Emphasizing Level of Education
If you want to specify the level of education, such as “elementary student,” “high school student,” or “college student,” you can combine the sign for “student” with additional signs relevant to the desired level. Here are a few examples:
Sign: ELEMENTARY STUDENT
To indicate an elementary school student, sign “STUDENT” followed by the sign for “ELEMENTARY.” For “HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT,” use “STUDENT” followed by the sign for “HIGH SCHOOL.” Similarly, for “COLLEGE STUDENT,” combine “STUDENT” with the sign for “COLLEGE” or adapt it to the specific institution you wish to signify.
Examples of Usage
Let’s take a look at some example sentences to further illustrate how to use the signs for “student” in ASL:
Example 1: Yesterday, I met a college student who was studying computer science.
ASL Translation: YESTERDAY, ME MEET COLLEGE STUDENT study COMPUTER SCIENCE.
Example 2: My cousin is an elementary student, and she loves reading.
ASL Translation: MY COUSIN ELEMENTARY STUDENT, SHE LOVE READING.
Regional Variations
The signs mentioned above are widely used across the United States and parts of Canada. However, it is worth noting that regional variations might exist, especially within smaller deaf communities or localized signing environments. If you are interacting with a specific community, it is advisable to learn from and mimic the signs used by the individuals within that group. ASL is a living language that evolves and incorporates regional influences.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned various ways to say “student” in American Sign Language (ASL). Remember, in formal settings, use one-handed fingerspelling to sign “STUDENT,” and in informal conversations, you can employ the two-handed gesture. If you want to specify the level of education, consider combining the sign for “student” with additional signs denoting the desired educational level. Finally, while ASL has common signs, be aware of potential regional variations that may exist. Keep practicing, and enjoy your journey in learning ASL!
