Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say temperature in American Sign Language (ASL)! Whether you are interested in learning formal or informal ways to express temperature, this guide will provide you with a variety of tips and examples to help you convey this important concept effectively. While ASL is primarily a visual language, understanding how to describe temperature in both written and signed forms will allow you to effectively communicate with members of the deaf community. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Express Temperature in ASL
When it comes to formal situations or conversations where precision is required, you can use specific signs to express temperatures in ASL. Here are some commonly used signs:
1. Degrees
In ASL, the sign for “degrees” is formed by making two fists with your thumbs pointing up. Cross your arms in front of your chest, and then move your fists in a circular motion.
TIP: To emphasize precision, you can raise your eyebrows and lean slightly forward when signing “degrees.”
2. Hot
To sign “hot,” make a twisting motion with your dominant hand by rubbing your fingertips in a circular motion on your non-dominant palm.
3. Cold
For “cold,” touch your non-dominant shoulder with your dominant hand (fingertips pointing down), and then quickly pull away while shaking your hand.
4. Freezing
The sign for “freezing” is similar to “cold.” Touch your non-dominant shoulder with your dominant hand (fingertips pointing down), and then hold the position longer to further emphasize the extreme temperature.
Informal Ways to Express Temperature in ASL
In casual conversations or everyday interactions, there are often more relaxed ways to discuss the temperature using ASL signs, rather than specific temperature degrees:
1. Warm
To convey “warm,” extend your non-dominant hand towards your dominant side, palm facing up, and gently wave your fingers back and forth in a relaxed manner. You can also adopt a relaxed facial expression.
2. Cool
To express “cool,” make a gentle brushing motion with the back of your non-dominant hand against your cheek, accompanied by a slight smile.
3. It’s Hot!
If you want to convey a temperature as being extremely hot, exaggerate the sign for “hot” by rubbing your fingertips more vigorously on your non-dominant palm while leaning back slightly.
Examples
Let’s explore some practical examples to solidify your understanding of how to convey temperature in ASL:
1. Formal Example:
If someone asks you, “What’s the temperature outside?”, you can respond in a formal way by signing: “DEGREES” + [temperature number] + “OUTSIDE”. For instance, if the temperature is 70 degrees, you would make the sign for “degrees,” then sign “7-0,” and finish with the sign for “outside.”
IMPORTANT: Remember to maintain a neutral facial expression while signing formal expressions of temperature, as accuracy and professionalism are key in these situations.
2. Informal Example:
In a more casual situation, such as a friendly chat, you can simply state: “IT’S WARM/COOL.” Use the signs described earlier to convey the appropriate temperature, either warm or cool, based on the current conditions.
Regional Variations in ASL
ASL has regional variations, just like any other language. While there are no significant differences in how temperature is expressed across different regions, you may encounter small variations in certain signs or gestures. If you’re learning ASL in a specific region, it can be helpful to seek guidance from local deaf communities or ASL instructors to understand any localized variations.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have mastered the art of expressing temperature in ASL, both formally and informally. By using the signs and techniques discussed in this guide, you can effectively communicate about temperature, whether you’re engaging in a formal conversation or having a casual chat. Remember to practice these signs regularly to build fluency and familiarity with expressing temperature in ASL. Enjoy your journey of learning and communicating in this beautiful visual language!
