Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say the time in American Sign Language (ASL)! Whether you want to learn how to tell time formally or informally, this guide has got you covered. Throughout this article, we will explore various tips, examples, and regional variations (if necessary) to ensure you have a well-rounded understanding of expressing time in ASL. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways of Expressing Time in ASL
When it comes to formal expressions of time in ASL, it’s important to use clear and concise signs to ensure effective communication. Let’s take a look at some commonly used signs:
1. Morning
- Make an “L” shape with your dominant hand, with your thumb resting near your temple.
- Bring your thumb down to your chin while extending your fingers.
- This sign signifies “morning” and can be used to indicate times before noon.
2. Afternoon
- Place the index finger of your dominant hand on your cheekbone.
- Sweep the finger across your cheek until it reaches your other cheek.
- This sign represents “afternoon” and can be used to indicate times between noon and evening.
3. Evening
- Hold your non-dominant hand horizontally, palm facing down.
- With your dominant hand, make a flat “C” shape and move it down from the center of your non-dominant hand.
- This sign symbolizes “evening” and can be used to indicate times after sunset.
4. Night
- Extend your non-dominant arm straight out in front of you.
- With your dominant hand, make a flat handshape and rest it against your non-dominant palm.
- This sign represents “night” and can be used to indicate times after dark.
These signs form the foundation for expressing time formally in ASL. However, it’s essential to adapt them based on the specific time you want to convey.
Informal Ways of Expressing Time in ASL
Informal ways of telling time in ASL often involve more context and non-manual markers. Here are some informal ways to express time:
1. Pointing to Your Wrist
If you want to casually ask for the time, you can simply point to your wrist, mimicking the movement of reading a watch or a clock. This gesture is universally recognizable and conveys that you are inquiring about the time.
2. Time + Sign
When discussing a specific time, you can combine the formal signs mentioned earlier with additional gestures. For example:
“Morning” + tapping your finger on your wrist = Morning time
“Afternoon” + pointing toward the sun = Afternoon time
“Evening” + mimicking the act of the sun setting = Evening time
“Night” + gesturing darkness with your hands = Night time
By incorporating these additional gestures, you can provide a clearer representation of the desired time.
Tips for Expressing Time in ASL
Here are some additional tips to enhance your ability to effectively convey time in ASL:
1. Use Facial Expressions
Facial expressions play a crucial role in ASL, and they also influence how time is expressed. For example, raising your eyebrows while signing “morning” gives the impression of a bright and early time.
2. Incorporate Non-Manual Markers
Non-manual markers include various movements, such as head tilts, shoulder shrugs, and nods, which add meaning to your signs. Utilize these markers thoughtfully to accurately convey the nuances of time.
3. Consider Spatial Agreement
When discussing a specific time, you can use spatial agreement to indicate whether it is in the past, present, or future. Movements towards your dominant side generally suggest future events, while movements towards your non-dominant side indicate the past.
Regional Variations
The signs for time in ASL tend to remain consistent across regions. However, some localized variations may exist due to cultural or dialectal influences. It’s essential to keep this in mind when interacting with individuals from various regions within the ASL signing community.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You are now equipped to express time formally and informally in ASL. By learning the formal signs for morning, afternoon, evening, and night, as well as incorporating contextual gestures, facial expressions, and non-manual markers, you can effectively convey time in ASL. Remember to be attentive to regional variations, if they arise, and continue practicing to enhance your proficiency. Happy signing!
