Kim Eleanor
American Sign Language (ASL) is a vibrant and expressive language used by the Deaf community in the United States. When it comes to expressing the concept of “town” in ASL, there are various signs to communicate this idea. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to sign “town” in ASL, providing you with valuable tips, examples, and even exploring regional variations. Let’s dive in!
Formal Way: “Town” in ASL
In formal ASL, the sign for “town” involves the combination of two signs: “CITY” and “PLACE.” Here’s how you can sign it:
Step 1: Sign “CITY”
To sign “CITY,” use your dominant hand and form a modified “C” shape with your fingers. Touch your fingers to your cheek, slightly pulling them forward a couple of times. This sign represents the concept of a populated urban area.
For example, if you want to say “I’m going to the city,” sign “I GO CITY,” incorporating relevant pointing or directional signs to indicate the specific location.
Step 2: Sign “PLACE”
To sign “PLACE,” use your dominant hand and make a flat “S” shape with your fingers. Place your hand down, as if indicating a location on a map or pointing to a specific place. This sign signifies a general area or a specific place within a city.
For instance, you could say “I love this place in town” by signing “I LOVE THIS PLACE CITY.”
Informal Way: “Town” in ASL
In informal ASL, a simpler and more casual sign is commonly used to convey the idea of “town.” Here’s the informal way to sign it:
Use the “BENT V” Handshape
For the informal sign, you will use the “BENT V” handshape with your dominant hand. Form a “V” shape with your index and middle fingers, slightly bent. Rest your thumb against your palm, while keeping your other fingers relaxed.
The “BENT V” handshape for “town” is a widely accepted and understood sign in informal ASL contexts.
Tips for Signing “Town” in ASL
Remember these tips to enhance your ASL signing skills related to “town”:
1. Facial Expressions
Just like with spoken languages, facial expressions play a crucial role in conveying meaning in ASL. Use an appropriate facial expression when signing “town” to show excitement, curiosity, or any other relevant emotions related to the context.
2. Signing Space
Consider the signing space while signing “town.” Visualize the scale or size of a town or city and adjust your signing accordingly. You can use your dominant hand to represent the larger area of the city, and your non-dominant hand can indicate a more specific location within that area.
3. Regional Variations
ASL can have regional variations, and this may influence signs used for “town.” Keep in mind that while the previously mentioned signs are widely used, variations may exist in specific areas. If you encounter regional variants, adapt and learn from local Deaf communities to better communicate in their specific signing practices.
“Learning ASL is an exciting journey that allows you to connect with a vibrant Deaf community. Remember to respect and appreciate the cultural aspects while continuously learning and improving your ASL skills.” – Unknown
Conclusion
In ASL, the sign for “town” varies depending on the formality and context. In formal ASL, you combine the signs for “CITY” and “PLACE.” However, in informal ASL, you simply use the “BENT V” handshape. Remember to consider facial expressions, signing space, and regional variations while signing “town” to ensure clear and meaningful communication.
Embrace the beauty of ASL as you continue your journey to learn and communicate effectively within the Deaf community. Learning how to sign “town” in ASL is just the beginning of an enriching experience that will help you form connections and bridge cultural gaps.
