When communicating in American Sign Language (ASL), it’s essential to understand how to convey the inclusive pronoun “we.” This guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the different ways to express “we” in ASL, including both formal and informal variations. While regional variations exist, we will primarily focus on the widely-used signs in ASL. Whether you’re a beginner or more experienced in ASL, this guide will offer valuable tips and numerous examples to help you effectively communicate “we” in ASL.
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Formal Ways to Say “We” in ASL
In formal situations or when addressing a large group, you can use specific signs to represent “we” in ASL. Here are a few notable examples:
“We” Inclusive
In ASL, the inclusive form of “we” refers to a group that includes both the speaker and the person(s) being addressed. To sign “we” inclusively:
- Extend both arms diagonally in front of your body, palms facing inward, with your dominant hand slightly higher than the other.
- Simultaneously, bring your hands together towards your body, crossing your wrists so that your non-dominant hand rests on top of your dominant hand.
- Complete the sign by pulling your hands apart, separating them as you extend your arms outward.
This sign represents a sense of unity and inclusivity.
“We” Exclusive
When referring to a group that does not include the person(s) being addressed, you can use the exclusive sign for “we.” To sign “we” exclusively:
- Hold one hand up, with your palm facing outward, fingers slightly apart.
- With your other hand, point towards the palm of your extended hand, emphasizing the notion of “excluding” or separate from the person(s) you are addressing.
Using this sign indicates that you and others are part of a group without including the person(s) being spoken to.
Informal Ways to Say “We” in ASL
Informal situations often allow for more relaxed and simpler signs to convey “we” in ASL. Here are a few commonly used informal signs for “we”:
“YOU AND ME”
A commonly used informal sign for “we” involves pointing directly at yourself and then towards the other person(s) to signify “you and me.” This sign is ideal for casual conversations or when you want to create a friendly atmosphere between individuals. Remember to maintain eye contact while using this sign to emphasize the connection.
FINGERSPELL “WE”
Another informal method to express “we” in ASL is through finger spelling. In finger spelling, each letter is signed individually. To finger spell “we,” form a “W” with your dominant hand and an “E” with your non-dominant hand. Combine the two letters together smoothly while maintaining a moderate pace. Finger spelling can be a useful option when signing in situations where a sign equivalent for “we” is not established or when signing in an educational context where finger spelling may help reinforce the spelling skills of others.
Additional Tips and Examples
Tip: When signing “we” inclusively, ensure your non-dominant hand rests gently on top of your dominant hand, rather than pressing down forcefully. This subtlety adds nuance and a sense of cohesion to the sign.
Having a good understanding of context and cultural norms is vital when using sign language. In certain situations, it may be preferable to use signs that are specific to your local region. However, such variations are beyond the scope of this guide, as we will primarily focus on widely-used signs in ASL. If you’re unsure about regional variations, it’s always best to consult with local ASL educators or members of the Deaf community for guidance.
Let’s explore some examples to solidify your grasp of expressing “we” in ASL:
- Example 1: A group of friends planning an outing
In this scenario, you can use the inclusive form of “we” to involve everyone present. Sign “we” inclusively by extending both arms diagonally in front of your body, crossing your wrists, and then pulling your hands apart. This inclusive sign helps foster a sense of togetherness and collective decision-making.
Example 2: A team discussing strategy
Whether it’s a sports team or a work-related project, using the exclusive “we” sign is appropriate in this context. Hold one hand up with the palm facing outward and use your other hand to point towards the palm of your extended hand. By using this sign, you convey that the team excludes others who are not directly involved in the discussion.
Example 3: Two friends excitedly making plans
In a casual setting, it’s appropriate to use the informal signs for “we.” Point directly at yourself and then towards your friend to indicate “you and me” while maintaining eye contact. This sign creates a friendly connection between the two individuals.
Remember to practice these signs regularly to improve your fluency. Additionally, observe and learn from members of the Deaf community to gain insights into their preferred signs and regional variations, if present.
The inclusive and exclusive signs for “we” in ASL, along with informal methods such as “you and me” and finger spelling, provide you with a strong foundation for effectively expressing “we” in various contexts. By incorporating these signs into your ASL conversations, you can communicate inclusively, respectfully, and confidently.
