American Sign Language (ASL) is a rich and expressive visual language used by the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community in the United States. Just like spoken languages, ASL has different ways to express certain concepts, including the phrase “to sign.” In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to convey this idea in ASL. Join us on this journey to enhance your ASL vocabulary!
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Formal Ways to Say “To Sign” in ASL
1. “To sign”
The most straightforward way to express “to sign” in ASL is by using two signs: “TO” and “SIGN.” Start by forming the letter ‘t’ with your dominant hand, resting the base on the palm of your non-dominant hand. Then, transition into the sign for “SIGN” by extending your dominant hand, palm facing up, and moving it in an arc from your non-dominant shoulder to your dominant side. This combination visually represents the concept of “to sign.”
2. “Sign language”
Another formal way to refer to signing is by using the term “SIGN LANGUAGE.” To convey this, sign the word “SIGN” as explained above, followed by the sign for “LANGUAGE.” For “LANGUAGE,” take your open non-dominant hand, palm facing upward, and move it forward and backward horizontally twice, just below your chest. This sign showcases that “to sign” refers to a complete language system.
Informal Ways to Say “To Sign” in ASL
1. “Do sign”
One informal way to convey “to sign” in ASL is by using the phrase “DO SIGN.” This is a shorter and more casual version that still effectively communicates the concept. Begin by signing “DO” using your dominant hand, palm facing inward, and flicking your wrist forward slightly. Then, immediately transition into signing “SIGN” as described earlier. This combination will provide a conversational and relaxed tone to your communication.
2. Combining signs for various activities
When discussing specific activities related to signing, you can combine the sign for the specific action with the sign for “SIGN.” For instance, if you want to say “to sign a story,” start by signing “STORY” by placing your non-dominant arm in a horizontal position in front of you, palm facing down, and using your dominant ‘b’ hand shape to tap twice on your non-dominant forearm, representing the pages of a book. Next, without pausing, transition into the sign for “SIGN” to indicate that you are signing the story. This method allows you to express a wide range of signing activities with clarity and ease.
Tips and Variations
- Remember to use a neutral facial expression while signing, as it helps convey the intended meaning effectively.
- Always maintain eye contact with your conversation partner to establish a connection and facilitate smooth communication.
- Practice signing with fluent ASL users to enhance your skills and gain exposure to different signing styles.
Examples of How to Say “To Sign” in ASL
For a formal setting, you could say, “I love to sign. I find it a beautiful language to communicate through.”
In a more informal context, you might say, “Hey, want to do some signing? It’s a lot of fun!”
Exploring both formal and informal ways to express “to sign” in ASL expands your ability to adapt to different social contexts and deepen your understanding of this vibrant language. Remember to practice regularly and embrace opportunities to learn from native ASL users, allowing you to further develop your fluency and comprehension.
