When communicating in American Sign Language (ASL), expressing time is essential. Knowing how to convey the time accurately can help you have more effective conversations with deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals. In this guide, we will explore various ways to express different times in ASL, including both formal and informal methods.
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Formal Ways to Express Time in ASL
When engaging in a formal setting, such as during formal presentations, business meetings, or educational settings, it is crucial to use the appropriate signs for time. Here are some formal ways to express time in ASL:
Telling the Hour: To communicate the exact hour, use the appropriate ASL sign for the specific number, followed by the sign for “o’clock.” For example, if it is 3 o’clock, sign “3” followed by the sign for “o’clock.”
Telling Minutes: If indicating the number of minutes past the hour, hold your non-dominant hand open and flat while using your dominant hand to point to the specific minute on your non-dominant hand. For instance, to say 25 minutes past the hour, point to the 25th spot on your non-dominant hand.
Dividing Hours into Quarters: To express quarter hours, use the ASL sign for “quarter.” For example, for 1:15, sign “1” followed by the sign for “quarter.”
Half Past the Hour: To indicate the time when it is half past the hour, touch the tips of your index and middle finger of your dominant hand on the back of your non-dominant hand, which is held flat with the palm facing up.
AM and PM: To convey AM and PM, use the sign for “morning” to indicate AM and the sign for “night” to indicate PM. For example, signing “3 morning” would mean 3 AM, while signing “3 night” would mean 3 PM.
Informal Ways to Express Time in ASL
In informal situations, you have more flexibility in expressing time, as long as your message is clear to the recipient. Here are some informal ways to express time:
- Fingerspelling: If you are unsure of the appropriate ASL signs for numbers or if the time is less common, you can use fingerspelling to indicate the time. For instance, spelling out “2:45” using the ASL alphabet.
- Pointing: Pointing to the position of the numbers on an imaginary clock can be an informal method to communicate time. For example, pointing to the 9 while using your other hand to indicate minutes can convey 9:15.
- Simplifying: Simplify the expression of time by focusing on the hour and using general signs like “morning,” “afternoon,” “evening,” or “night.” For example, signing “3 morning” or “3 night” can substitute for 3 AM or 3 PM respectively.
Additional Tips for Expressing Time in ASL
To enhance your communication skills, here are some additional tips for expressing time in ASL:
Practice: Consistent practice is essential to becoming proficient in signing time accurately in ASL. Practice with a partner or use online resources to improve your skills.
Facial Expressions and Body Language: Pay attention to your facial expressions and body language when conveying time in ASL. They play a significant role in conveying meaning and context.
Be Flexible: Keep in mind that some individuals may have regional variations or preferences for expressing time in ASL. When in doubt, adapt to the signing style of the deaf or hard-of-hearing individual you are communicating with.
Clarify: If you are unsure about the time being expressed by the other person, don’t hesitate to clarify. Asking for clarification helps ensure effective communication.
Remember, learning ASL takes time and practice, and you will become more proficient as you immerse yourself in the language. Show patience and respect to the deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals you communicate with, and always strive for effective and clear communication.
By following these guidelines, you will develop your skills in expressing time effectively in ASL, whether in formal or informal settings. Practice regularly, be receptive to feedback, and embrace the beauty of sign language communication.
