American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual language that allows deaf individuals and those with hearing impairments to communicate effectively. Just like any spoken language, ASL includes specific signs and gestures to express various concepts, including time. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to indicate time in ASL, providing you with plenty of tips, examples, and insights along the way.
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Formal Ways of Expressing Time
When it comes to speaking about time in a formal manner, ASL utilizes a combination of specific signs and fingerspelling. Here are some common ways to express time formally in ASL:
Fingerspelling Dates
To indicate specific dates, you can use fingerspelling in ASL. Each letter is formed using handshapes that represent the corresponding letter of the alphabet. For example, to express the date “March 8th,” you would fingerspell “M-A-R-C-H 8.”
Ordinal Numbers
Ordinal numbers are used to indicate the position of a day within a month. For instance, to say “January 1st,” you fingerspell “J-A-N-U-A-R-Y 1” while holding up your index finger.
Informal Ways of Expressing Time
While formal ways of saying time are common in more official contexts, informal settings might call for a simpler approach. Take a look at the informal methods of conveying time in ASL:
Digital Time
One way to express time informally in ASL is by using a digital representation of hours and minutes. Imagine your dominant hand as a digital clock face and use specific handshapes to imitate the numbers. For example, for “10:30,” you would sign the number 10 by touching your thumb to the tips of your fingers, followed by a twisting motion for the number 3, which represents 30 minutes.
Pointing to an Imaginary Clock
In casual conversations, another method to convey time is by using an imaginary clock. Imagine the clock face in front of you, while pointing to the hours with your index finger and using your middle finger to indicate the minutes. For instance, pointing to the 6 and using your middle finger to touch the 10 position represents “6:10.”
Common Examples and Phrases
Now that we’ve covered the formal and informal ways to express time in ASL, let’s take a look at some common examples and phrases:
What Time Is It?
To ask for the time, you simply ask, “TIME YOU?” Alternatively, you can sign “WHAT TIME?” followed by raising your eyebrows to indicate a question.
Half Past the Hour
When it’s half past the hour, you can sign “HALF” while using your index finger to point upwards.
Quarter Hours
For quarter hours, sign the number followed by “QUARTER.” For example, “1:15” is signed as “1 QUARTER.”
On the Hour
To indicate a specific hour exactly, sign the respective number without any additional signs or gestures. For example, “8 o’clock” is signed by showing the number 8 on your hand.
Tips for Communicating Time in ASL
Here are some valuable tips to keep in mind when communicating time in ASL:
- Practice regularly: Becoming comfortable with expressing time in ASL requires practice and repetition. Consistently engaging in signing activities and conversations will help solidify your skills.
- Use appropriate facial expressions: Facial expressions often convey grammar, emotions, or context in ASL. Ensure your facial expression aligns with the question or statement you are making about time.
- Observe regional variations: While ASL is a standardized language, there may be slight regional variations in signs or preferences for expressing time. Pay attention to the practices common to your region.
- Seek feedback: Whenever possible, engage with members of the Deaf community or experienced ASL users to receive feedback on your signing, including how you express time.
Conclusion
Mastering the ability to express time in ASL opens up new opportunities for effective communication with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Remember, in formal settings, fingerspelling dates and using ordinal numbers are common practices, while informal situations call for simpler methods like digital time or pointing to an imaginary clock. Practice regularly, pay attention to facial expressions, and seek feedback from the Deaf community to refine your skills. With commitment, patience, and respect for the language and culture, you can become proficient in communicating time in ASL.
