American Sign Language (ASL) is a beautiful and expressive language used by the deaf and hard of hearing community in the United States. In ASL, signs can vary depending on the region, but the core concepts remain consistent. When it comes to expressing the concept of “subject” in ASL, there are several ways to convey this idea in both formal and informal contexts. Let’s explore these different ways and provide you with some helpful tips and examples to enhance your understanding of signing “subject” in ASL.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Sign “Subject” in ASL
When signers are engaging in more formal settings, such as in educational or professional environments, they may use specific signs to convey the concept of “subject” in ASL. Here are a few formal ways to express this concept:
- Sign: “TOPIC”
Description: This sign involves placing your non-dominant hand palm-down, slightly in front of your body. Then, using your dominant hand, form a flat handshape with your palm facing down, fingertips touching the non-dominant hand’s palm, and move your hand in a circular motion, indicating the idea of a “topic.” - Sign: “SUBJECT”
Description: To sign “subject” more formally, place your non-dominant arm across your body, palm flat and facing inward. With your dominant hand, form an “S” handshape and move it from the center of your chest, outward, tracing along the path of your non-dominant arm. - Sign: “CATEGORY”
Description: This sign involves forming a “C” handshape with your dominant hand and placing it near your non-dominant hand, which remains stationary with an open palm. Then, move your dominant hand in a circular motion, indicating the idea of categorization.
Informal Ways to Sign “Subject” in ASL
In more casual or everyday conversations, signers may use simpler and more commonly used signs to express the concept of “subject.” These informal signs are often more intuitive and widely understood within the deaf community. Let’s take a look at a few popular informal signs for “subject”:
- Sign: “ABOUT”
Description: To sign “subject” more informally, use the sign for “about.” Place the fingertips of your dominant hand on your non-dominant palm and move your hand slightly forward and backward in a gentle tapping motion. - Sign: “THING”
Description: Another informal option is to use the sign for “thing” to convey the idea of “subject” in a casual context. Simply form a flat handshape with your dominant hand and place it near your chest, then move it outward in a straight line. - Sign: “TOPIC”
Description: Similarly to the formal sign, you can also use the sign for “topic” in informal conversations. This involves using your dominant hand to trace small, clockwise circles on the back of your non-dominant hand, which remains stationary.
Examples and Tips for Signing “Subject” in ASL
To help solidify your understanding of signing “subject” in ASL, here are some examples and additional tips to consider:
Example 1:
Imagine you’re participating in a formal discussion about a particular subject, and you want to contribute. You can sign “SUBJECT” by placing your non-dominant arm across your body while forming an “S” handshape with your dominant hand and moving it outward, as if drawing attention to the topic at hand.
Example 2:
In a casual conversation with friends, you may say, “I want to talk ABOUT math.” To sign “ABOUT,” tap the fingertips of your dominant hand on your non-dominant palm gently, then sign “MATH” by extending one hand palm-down, parallel to the ground, and tapping the tips of your fingers to your chin twice.
Tips:
- When using the informal signs for “subject,” ensure that the context is suitable, such as during friendly conversations or with individuals familiar with these signs.
- Remember to maintain eye contact and facial expressions while signing, as they are essential components of conveying meaning in ASL.
- Consider joining ASL classes or social groups to practice your signing skills and learn more about regional variations and nuances.
- If unsure about which sign to use, consult with members of the deaf community or certified ASL interpreters who can provide further guidance and insights.
By utilizing various signs for “subject” in ASL, both formal and informal, you can effectively communicate and participate in conversations within the deaf community. Remember to adapt your signing style based on the context, and always strive to learn from native signers to expand your understanding of signing variations.
Above all, embrace the beauty of ASL as a visual language, and continue to foster positive interactions with the deaf and hard of hearing community. Happy signing!
