Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “This is ASL” in American Sign Language (ASL). Regardless of whether you’re a beginner or have some familiarity with ASL, this guide will provide you with both formal and informal ways to express this phrase. We’ll also explore a few regional variations that exist. So, let’s dive in and discover how to convey “This is ASL” effectively!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “This is ASL”
When you want to convey a sense of formality while saying “This is ASL,” you can use the following phrases:
- “This is American Sign Language.” – This is a straightforward and formal way to express “This is ASL.” It is clear and concise.
- “The signing you see is ASL.” – This sentence emphasizes the visual aspect of ASL and is appropriate for a formal setting.
- “ASL is the language being used here.” – This statement explicitly states that ASL is the primary mode of communication in a formal setting.
Informal Ways to Say “This is ASL”
If you’re in a casual setting or conversing with friends, you can use these more informal phrases to say “This is ASL”:
- “We’re signing in ASL.” – This expression emphasizes the inclusivity and camaraderie of signing in ASL.
- “ASL is how we communicate.” – This phrase highlights that ASL is the preferred method of interaction amongst the group.
- “We’re using American Sign Language.” – This informal statement conveys the same meaning as the first suggestion but in a more conversational manner.
Regional Variations
While ASL is the standard sign language used throughout the United States, there can be slight regional variations in the way people sign “This is ASL.” Here are a few examples:
In the West Coast region: Signers may use a specific handshape to represent “This” and then proceed with the ASL sign for “ASL.”
In the Midwest region: Signers may incorporate a particular movement or facial expression while signing “This is ASL.”
In the East Coast region: Signers may combine the signs for “This” and “ASL” differently or utilize more exaggerated signing nuances.
It’s important to note that while these regional variations exist, they don’t hinder communication between signers from different regions.
Tips and Examples
Here are some tips and examples to enhance your understanding and usage of “This is ASL” in various contexts:
- Maintain eye contact: Whether you’re signing in a formal or informal setting, maintaining eye contact with your audience helps ensure effective communication.
- Use appropriate facial expressions: Facial expressions play a vital role in ASL. When saying “This is ASL,” ensure your expression matches the context of the conversation.
- Consider your audience: Adapting your signing style and level of formality based on your audience’s familiarity with ASL will help create a comfortable and inclusive environment.
- Practice fingerspelling: To enhance your ASL skills, practice fingerspelling the words “This,” “is,” and “ASL” to improve speed and accuracy.
Examples:
Formal: Daniel, a sign language interpreter assigned to a class, informs the students, “This is American Sign Language.”
Informal: John tells his friends, “We’re signing in ASL, it’s so much fun!”
Regional Variation: Lisa from the East Coast demonstrates, “This is ASL” with larger signing gestures than people from other regions.
Remember, practice and exposure to ASL conversations are key to becoming more confident and fluent in expressing “This is ASL.”
We hope this guide has been helpful in expanding your knowledge and usage of the phrase “This is ASL” in both formal and informal contexts. Enjoy your ASL journey and continue exploring the beauty of this vibrant language!
