Greetings! If you’re interested in learning how to express “their” in American Sign Language (ASL), you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways to convey “their” in ASL. We’ll also touch on regional variations, but focus primarily on the general ASL signing conventions.
Table of Contents
Formal Way to Say “Their” in ASL
In the formal setting, ASL users often utilize possessive pronouns, such as “their,” with distinct handshapes. To sign “their” formally, follow these steps:
- Extend both your arms in front of you, palms facing down.
- Bend your fingers slightly, keeping your hands open.
- Rotate both of your hands inward, so that the palms face your body.
- Bring your hands towards your chest, keeping them at the same level as your shoulders.
- Hold this position briefly.
This formal sign for “their” signifies the possession or ownership. It is commonly used in professional settings or when emphasizing clarity and formality.
Informal Way to Say “Their” in ASL
While there is no specific informal sign for “their” in ASL, informally, you can express the concept through context and pointing. Here’s how:
- First, point to the person you are referring to.
- Next, using a pronoun, sign “HE,” “SHE,” or “THEY” near the person you have pointed to.
- Finally, add a facial expression or nod to clarify ownership.
This informal approach is commonly used in casual conversations among friends, family, or acquaintances, where efficiency and simplicity are prioritized.
Regional Variations
ASL, like any other language, can have regional variations influenced by local culture and dialects. While the signs for “their” mentioned above are widely understood throughout the United States, it’s worth noting a few regional variations:
- West Coast ASL: Some ASL users on the West Coast may prefer a modified version of the formal sign. Instead of rotating the hands inward, they may keep the palms facing down throughout the sign.
- East Coast ASL: In some East Coast regions, individuals might use the “B” handshape (a flat hand with the fingers close together) while making the formal sign for “their.”
Remember, these variations are not universal but unique to specific regions. When in doubt, stick to the general formal and informal signs mentioned earlier.
Extra Tips for Signing “Their” in ASL
To better understand the signing process and improve your communication, here are a few additional tips:
1. Practice Regularly:
Consistent practice is crucial to becoming proficient in ASL. Set aside dedicated time each day to practice your signs and improve your signing skills.
2. Observe Native Signers:
Try to interact with fluent ASL speakers or watch sign language interpreters to learn more about the intricacies of signing. Observing native signers can help you refine your technique and increase your signing fluency.
3. Use Facial Expressions:
Facial expressions play a vital role in ASL, conveying emotions, nuances, and important grammatical markers. Pay close attention to your facial expressions while signing “their” to enhance clarity and meaning.
4. Contextual Understanding:
ASL heavily relies on the context of a conversation. Pay attention to the subject, object, and other signs used in a sentence to extract the meaning of “their” accurately.
Examples:
Situation: Sally and John are discussing their weekend plans.
Sally: “My parents are visiting. What are their plans?”
John: (formal) Uses the formal sign for “their” by rotating his hands in towards his body to signify possession.
John: (informal) Points to Sally’s parents and signs “THEY” near them, accompanied with a nod and a facial expression to indicate ownership.
Remember, the more you practice, engage with the Deaf community, and learn from ASL resources, the more proficient you will become in signing “their” and understanding the subtle nuances of ASL.
Now that you have a solid understanding of how to sign “their” formally and informally in ASL, it’s time to put your knowledge into action. Enjoy exploring the beauty and expressiveness of American Sign Language!
