Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to express the phrase “watch TV” in American Sign Language (ASL). In this guide, we will cover the formal and informal ways to convey this concept in ASL, with tips, examples, and some regional variations where applicable.
Table of Contents
Formal Way to Say “Watch TV” in ASL
When engaging in a formal conversation or presenting ASL in a formal setting, you may want to use the following signs:
1. Sign for “watch”: Hold up your dominant hand with fingers extended, then curve them towards your face, with your palm facing inward. Place your hand near your non-dominant eye, making sure to keep your fingers together.
2. Sign for “TV”: Form your dominant hand into a flat shape, then extend your thumb and pinky finger while keeping the rest of your fingers closed. Touch your palm to your non-dominant shoulder, and then tap your thumb and pinky finger together twice.
By combining these signs, you can express the phrase “watch TV” formally in ASL.
Informal Way to Say “Watch TV” in ASL
In informal conversations or casual settings, people often use different signs that may be quicker or easier to perform. Here’s an informal way to express “watch TV” in ASL:
1. Sign for “watch”: Hold your non-dominant arm across your chest with the palm facing your body, then use your dominant hand to gently touch the inside of your wrist twice.
2. Sign for “TV”: Make your dominant hand into the letter “T” shape with your thumb pressed against your fingers. Hold your hand in front of your body, near your non-dominant shoulder, and then twist it from side to side a couple of times.
This informal way of signing “watch TV” is commonly used among friends, family, or in casual settings.
Tips and Examples
Here are some helpful tips and additional examples to further enhance your understanding of expressing “watch TV” in ASL:
Tips:
- Remember to maintain eye contact while signing, as it is crucial for effective communication in ASL.
- Practice the signs in front of a mirror to ensure you are performing them accurately.
- Use facial expressions and body language to convey the appropriate tone and context of the conversation.
Examples:
Let’s explore a few examples of how “watch TV” can be used in ASL:
1. Are you watching TV tonight?
Sign: “You watch TV tonight?”
2. I like to watch TV shows with subtitles.
Sign: “Me like watch TV shows subtitles favorite.”
3. She doesn’t watch TV very often.
Sign: “She not watch TV very often.”
4. We usually watch TV together after dinner.
Sign: “Us usually watch TV together after dinner.”
Regional Variations
While ASL is a standardized language, there can be subtle variations across different regions or communities. However, when it comes to expressing “watch TV,” there aren’t significant regional variations widely recognized. The previously mentioned signs should be comprehensible throughout the ASL community.
Remember, if you encounter different sign variations for “watch TV” within specific communities, it’s always valuable to adapt and learn from those local variations to enhance your ASL skills.
I hope this guide has helped you understand how to say “watch TV” in ASL! Remember to practice regularly and continue expanding your ASL vocabulary. Happy signing!
