Greetings! If you’re looking to learn how to express the date in American Sign Language (ASL), you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to convey dates, and we’ll even touch on regional variations if necessary. So, let’s jump right in and explore the fascinating world of signing dates!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say the Date in ASL
When it comes to formal occasions or situations where clear communication is paramount, such as in professional settings or educational environments, it’s best to use a more structured approach to express the date in ASL.
Tip #1: Start with the Month
Begin by signing the relevant month. To do this, fingerspell the first three letters of the month, followed by the sign for “month.” For example, to express “January,” you would fingerspell ‘J-A-N,’ then make the sign for “month” by touching your cheek with a flattened hand. Remember to maintain a clear and distinct finger-spelling motion.
Example:
Signer A: What’s the date today?
Signer B: It’s J-A-N month.
Tip #2: Day and Year
After signing the month, indicate the numeric day by holding up the corresponding number of fingers. Then, move on to express the year. To sign the year, use a two-handed spell-out method where you simultaneously fingerspell the digits making up the year. Be careful to clearly illustrate each digit separately.
Example:
Signer A: When is your birthday?
Signer B: My birthday is M-A-R-22–1998.
Informal Ways to Say the Date in ASL
On less formal occasions or when interacting with friends and family, you can adopt a more casual approach to express the date in ASL. Keep in mind that these informal methods may vary depending on the context and personal preferences.
Tip #3: Use Just the Numeric Date
In informal situations, you can often get away with expressing just the numeric date without mentioning the month or year explicitly. To do this, simply hold up the number of fingers representing the day. This method is particularly common for dates within the current month.
Example:
Signer A: What’s today’s date?
Signer B: It’s the 15th.
Tip #4: Combine Day and Month
Another informal approach is to express the day of the month along with the abbreviated month itself. To indicate the numeric day, once again, use your fingers. For the month, resort to signing the first letter or abbreviation of the month.
Example:
Signer A: When are you free?
Signer B: I’m available on the 21st of JUL.
Regional Variations
While ASL is primarily used in the United States and parts of Canada, it’s important to note that regional variations do exist. However, when it comes to expressing the date in ASL, these differences are minimal and usually revolve around sign preferences for specific months or slight variations in signing styles.
For best results, it’s advisable to stick to the universally recognized and commonly understood formal or informal methods we’ve discussed above. This will ensure effective communication regardless of regional variations.
Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with both formal and informal ways to express the date in ASL, you’ll be better equipped to communicate effectively in a wide range of settings. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to engage in conversations and expand your ASL vocabulary. Happy signing!
