Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to express the phrase “this weekend” in American Sign Language (ASL). Whether you’re seeking to learn the formal or informal variations of this phrase, we’ve got you covered with tips, examples, and even regional variations. Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “This Weekend” in ASL
When it comes to formal sign language, it’s essential to use appropriate signs and grammar. Here are a few formal ways to express “this weekend” in ASL:
- Time + End of Week: To express “this weekend” formally, you can sign the specific time followed by the sign “end of week.” For example, if you want to say “this weekend starting on Friday evening,” sign “Friday evening, end of week.”
- Time + Future + Weekend: Another common formal expression is to combine the time (e.g., “Friday evening”) with the signs for “future” and “weekend.” So, in this example, you would sign “Friday evening, future, weekend.”
- Time + Upcoming + Weekend: Similarly, you can use the signs for “upcoming” and “weekend” to indicate “this weekend.” For instance, if you want to say “this weekend is important,” sign “important, upcoming, weekend.”
Informal Ways to Say “This Weekend” in ASL
While formal ASL is appropriate in professional settings, informal variations are commonly used among friends and family. Here are a few informal ways to express “this weekend” in ASL:
- Time + Weekend: In informal contexts, it’s common to simply combine the time (e.g., “Friday evening”) with the sign for “weekend.” So, to say “this weekend starting on Friday evening,” sign “Friday evening, weekend.”
- Time + Approaching + Weekend: Another informal expression involves using the signs for “approaching” and “weekend.” For example, if you want to say “I’m excited about this weekend,” sign “excited, approaching, weekend.”
- Time + Coming + Weekend: Similarly, you can use the signs for “coming” and “weekend” to indicate “this weekend.” To say “I have plans for this weekend,” sign “plans, coming, weekend.”
Regional Variations
Though ASL is a universal language, there might be slight regional variations in sign usage. Here are a few potential regional variations when signing “this weekend” in ASL:
It’s important to note that sign language can differ slightly based on regions. This may affect how the phrase “this weekend” is expressed. It’s always helpful to connect with local ASL communities or consult regional dictionaries to ensure accuracy.
Examples and Tips for Sign Language Learners
To help you further grasp the concept of signing “this weekend” in ASL, here are a few examples and tips to keep in mind:
- Use facial expressions: To fully convey your meaning, remember to accompany your signs with appropriate facial expressions. Facial expressions play a crucial role in ASL.
- Practice fingerspelling: In case you are unsure of a specific sign, you can spell out the words using finger spelling. However, make sure to use finger spelling sparingly, as it can slow down the conversation.
- Pay attention to meaning: Context matters in ASL, so be careful to understand the situation properly before using any ASL expressions. Adapt your signing accordingly for the audience.
- Imitate native signers: Watching and imitating native signers is an excellent way to improve your signing skills. Seek out online resources or engage with ASL communities to practice and learn from experienced signers.
Now that you have a better understanding of how to say “this weekend” in ASL, you’re well-equipped to communicate effectively using sign language. Remember to continue practicing and exploring ASL to expand your vocabulary and fluency. Happy signing!
