How to Say “White Person” in American Sign Language (ASL)

Whether you are learning ASL as a means of communication, for career reasons, or simply to expand your linguistic skills, understanding how to express the concept of a “white person” in ASL is important. In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways to refer to a white person in ASL, provide some regional variations that may be helpful, and offer tips and examples to enhance your understanding.

Formal Ways

In ASL, there are several formal ways to convey the idea of a white person. It’s crucial to remember that ASL is a visual language, and thus relies on visual descriptions. Here are a few formal ways to express this concept:

1. Forehead Tapping: To refer to a white person formally, you can use the sign for “person” and then tap your forehead. This signifies the lightness of their skin.
2. Five Handshape: Another formal approach is to use the “five” handshape. With your palm facing down, touch your chin with your thumb. This represents a person with light skin.
3. Open ‘B’ Handshape: The sign for “Caucasian” or “white person” can be formed by extending your hand with an open ‘B’ handshape, then touching it to your chin.

Informal Ways

Informal ways of expressing the concept of a white person in ASL are often simplified and commonly used in everyday conversations. Here are a few informal approaches:

1. Color Comparison: One common way is to use a color comparison. For example, you can point to the person you are referring to and indicate their skin color by showing the color white on your palm.
2. Index Finger to Chin: Another informal technique involves pointing your index finger towards your own chin. This is a more casual way to describe someone as a white person.
3. Small ‘5’ Handshape: Simply forming a smaller version of the “five” handshape near your chin can also convey the meaning of a white person informally.

Regional Variations

ASL has regional differences, just like spoken languages. Here are a few regional variations in the United States:

Southern Regions: Some individuals in southern areas of the United States use the sign for “person” followed by a slight nod to the right side, indicating lighter skin tones.

Northern Regions: People in northern regions lean towards using the “five” handshape on the chin to signify a white person.

It’s important to note that these variations are not universal, and customs can differ among individuals.

Tips for ASL Communication

When communicating in ASL, it’s helpful to keep a few tips in mind:

• Facial Expressions: Pay attention to your facial expressions as they convey important nuances and emotions.
• Body Language: Incorporate appropriate body language and movements to enhance your message and make it more understandable.
• Context: Understand that ASL relies heavily on context. Ensure that your signs are clear and supported by appropriate context to avoid confusion.
• Pronouns: Instead of using the pronoun “he” or “she,” you may use indexing, which involves pointing to the person or indicating their location in the signing space.

Examples

Here are a few examples to illustrate the various ways of saying “white person” in ASL:

1. Formal Example: Sign for “person” + tap forehead
2. Informal Example: Point to the person + show white on palm
3. Regional Example: Sign for “person” + slight nod to the right (Southern regions)

Remember, practice is key to mastering ASL. The more you engage with the language, the better your communication skills will become.

By understanding both formal and informal ways of expressing the concept of a white person in ASL, as well as being aware of regional variations and following these helpful tips, you’ll be better equipped to engage in meaningful conversations and effectively communicate in ASL.