Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say the months in American Sign Language (ASL)! Knowing how to express the months is not only useful in everyday conversations, but it also enriches your understanding of Deaf culture. In this guide, we’ll cover the formal and informal ways to sign the months, provide valuable tips, and include numerous examples. So let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Way to Sign the Months in ASL
When expressing the months in a formal setting, it’s significant to use appropriate ASL signs. Here is a list of the formal signs for each month:
1. January – To sign “January,” form the letter ‘J’ with your dominant hand and circle it in the air.
2. February – Create an ‘F’ handshape with your dominant hand and tap it twice on the back of your non-dominant hand, representing the abbreviation of February, “Feb.”
3. March – Sign “March” by moving your right hand, palm facing down, in an arching motion from left to right.
4. April – With your dominant hand open and fingertips pointing inward, tap your shoulder twice, resembling raindrops falling from the sky in April.
5. May – Extend your right thumb and pinky finger while keeping your other fingers folded against your palm. Slide your hand diagonally across your lips, representing a blooming flower.
6. June – Place your open hand at your cheek, fingers pointing up, and then slide it forward, representing the sun appearing in June.
7. July – Hold the letter ‘J’ with your dominant hand and move it in a circle near your temple to represent the Fourth of July fireworks.
8. August – Use both hands to mime turning the pages of a calendar, as if you’re flipping to the month of August.
9. September – To sign “September,” extend your right index finger and middle finger, while tucking the other fingers into your palm. Tap your two extended fingers against your left palm near the base of your thumb, symbolizing the two syllables in “September.”
10. October – Hold up your left pinky finger, then your right pinky finger, then your left pinky finger again, moving them back and forth. This gesture represents the characteristic shifting colors of autumn leaves in October.
11. November – Point to the spot on your wrist where a watch would be worn and make a slow circular motion with your finger. This sign indicates “November” because it is associated with the time of year when we adjust our clocks for daylight saving time.
12. December – With your right hand, form the letter ‘D’ and circle it backward in front of your chest. This sign symbolizes the festive decorations often seen in December.
Informal Way to Sign the Months in ASL
In less formal or casual situations, ASL users might employ a variety of abbreviations or shortcuts to sign the months. Here are some commonly used informal signs for the months:
- Jan – Make a small ‘C’ shape with your dominant hand and touch it to your chin.
- Feb – Using your index and middle fingers, tap twice on the back of your non-dominant hand.
- Mar – Hold your right hand with the palm facing down and wave it slightly left and right.
- Apr – Use your dominant hand to rapidly tap your opposite shoulder.
- May – Simply fingerspell the letter “M-A-Y.”
- Jun – Extend your index finger and motion as if drawing a small sun in the air.
- Jul – Hold up your pinky finger and wiggle it side to side.
- Aug – Fingerspell the letter “A-U-G.”
- Sep – Use your dominant hand’s middle and index fingers to gently tap against the base of your thumb on your non-dominant hand.
- Oct – Alternate pointing your pinky fingers from left to right a couple of times.
- Nov – Point to the spot on your wrist where a watch would be worn and make a quick circular motion with your finger.
- Dec – Rotate your right hand in front of your chest as if shaping an invisible wreath.
Tips for Learning ASL Months
Here are some helpful tips to enhance your learning experience while mastering the ASL signs for the months:
- Consistency is Key: Practice signing the months regularly to reinforce your muscle memory and retain the signs more effectively.
- Watch and Learn: Observe native ASL users signing the months in videos or through community events to gain valuable insights into signing variations or regional differences.
- Memorization Techniques: Create mnemonic devices, use flashcards, or associate the signs with personal experiences to aid in remembering the signs for each month.
- Practice with a Partner: Find a friend or join a local ASL community to practice signing the months together. Collaborative learning can be both motivating and fun!
Regional Variations
While ASL is a nationally recognized language, variations can exist regionally. These variations are predominantly found in different sign choices or possibly the incorporation of regional slang. However, when it comes to signing the months, the formal and informal signs described above are widely used across various ASL communities in the United States.
Remember, ASL is a visual language rich in cultural diversity, so don’t be afraid to embrace and explore the various signing styles you encounter!
By now, you should feel confident in your ability to sign the months in ASL. Remember to practice, remain patient, and enjoy the learning journey. Happy signing!
