American Sign Language (ASL) is a rich and expressive language used by the Deaf community in the United States. Just like spoken languages, ASL has its specific vocabulary and grammar rules. If you want to learn how to say “total” in ASL, this guide will provide you with both formal and informal ways to do so. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Sign “Total” in ASL
When it comes to signing “total” in a formal setting, such as in an academic or professional environment, you can use the appropriate ASL signs. Here are a few formal variations:
1. The ASL Sign for “Total”
To sign “total” formally, you can use the sign for “whole” or “completely.” This sign consists of interlocking your fingertips, palms facing inward towards you, and then bringing your hands together. It symbolizes the concept of entirety or completeness.
Example: When discussing the total population affected by the recent flood, you can sign “total” using the ASL sign for “whole” or “completely.”
Keep in mind that formal variations may slightly vary based on regional accents or preferences. However, the core concept remains the same in ASL across different regions.
Informal Ways to Sign “Total” in ASL
In more casual or everyday situations, you can use slightly different variations to sign “total” in ASL. Here are a few informal ways:
1. Fingerspelling “T-O-T-A-L”
One of the simplest ways to convey “total” in ASL is by fingerspelling the letters T-O-T-A-L using your dominant hand. This is often used in informal conversations or when context is clear.
Example: If you’re discussing the total amount spent on a shopping trip, you can fingerspell “T-O-T-A-L” while mouthing the word “total” to make your meaning clear.
2. Non-Dominant Hand Palm Orientation
Another informal way to sign “total” is to use a specific palm orientation on your non-dominant hand while signing other relevant concepts. For example, if you want to express the concept of “total cost,” you can keep your non-dominant hand flat and facing upwards, symbolism the idea of accumulating or adding up to a final amount.
Example: When discussing the total score of a game, you can sign “score” using your dominant hand, while your non-dominant hand is positioned flat and facing upwards to represent the “total” aspect.
Tips for Signing “Total” in ASL
Here are a few essential tips to keep in mind while signing “total” in ASL:
- Pay attention to your facial expressions and body language. These elements play a crucial role in conveying emotions and meaning in ASL.
- When fingerspelling, ensure clarity and accuracy by holding each letter visibly and distinctly.
- Context matters! Consider the conversation and adjust your signs accordingly to avoid confusion.
- Observing and interacting with fluent signers can greatly enhance your ASL skills, providing exposure to different signing styles and nuances.
Conclusion
Now you have a guide on how to say “total” in American Sign Language (ASL). Remember, the formal ways involve using signs for “whole” or “completely,” while the informal methods include fingerspelling and using specific palm orientations. Adapt your signing style based on the formality of the setting and consider the regional variations. With practice and exposure to ASL, you’ll become more comfortable expressing the concept of “total” in different contexts. Enjoy your journey of learning and connecting through ASL!
