When communicating in American Sign Language (ASL), expressing concepts like “with” requires understanding the appropriate signs and grammar. In this guide, we will explore how to convey “with” in ASL in both formal and informal contexts. We’ll also touch upon regional variations, although ASL is relatively consistent across different areas of the United States. Let’s dive in and enhance your understanding of signing “with” in ASL!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “With”
In formal contexts, such as academic or professional settings, it is important to use articulate and precise signing. Here are several ways to convey “with” formally:
- Signing “With” in a Group:
When specifying that someone is with a group of people, you can sign “with” by extending both palms facing down and moving your hands in a circular motion, keeping your fingertips connected. This sign conveys the idea of inclusion and being in the same space or around others.
Example: If you want to say, “I went to the party with my friends,” you would sign PARTY, FRIENDS, WITH (with the appropriate ASL signs for party and friends being incorporated).
Signing “With” as an Attribute:
You can also use the sign for “with” to show an accompanying attribute or characteristic. For example, if you want to say, “She’s the artist with the red hair,” you would sign ARTIST, RED, WITH (while specifying the artist sign and the sign for red).
Signing “With” to Show Association:
In ASL, you can convey a connection between two entities by signing “with.” This is expressed by using the “Y-handshape” and moving your hand in a small circular motion in front of your chest. For example, when saying, “I work with him,” you would sign WORK, HIM, WITH (using the applicable signs for work and him).
Informal Ways to Say “With”
In more casual or everyday conversations, you can use informal ways to sign “with” in ASL. These signs are widely understood and commonly used:
- Signing “With” using a Classifier:
Using a classifier is an informal and creative way to sign “with.” This involves visually representing the object or person you are talking about while signing “with.” For instance, if you want to say, “He went shopping with his sister,” you can sign SHOP, CLASSIFIER(“sister”), WITH (while indicating shopping gestures and using the classifier handshape for sister).
Signing “With” using Eye Gaze:
Another informal method is to convey “with” through eye gaze. While signing about an individual or group, you can subtly shift your eye focus to the person or people you are talking about. This technique helps indicate inclusion and connection.
Signing “With” using Body Position:
ASL uses body positioning and non-manual markers to convey meaning. You can express “with” by leaning slightly toward the person or object you are referring to. For example, when signing “He arrived with his dog,” you can lean slightly towards the direction of the dog while signing ARRIVE, HIS, DOG, WITH (incorporating the corresponding signs for arrive, his, and dog).
Regional Variations and Considerations
Although ASL exhibits consistency across the United States, there may be slight regional variations in the signing of “with.” Some variations may arise due to the influence of local Deaf communities or individual preferences. Embracing these differences fosters a richer understanding of ASL and Deaf culture. Therefore, it can be beneficial to engage with different signing communities and adapt your signing style accordingly, while still adhering to the core principles of ASL.
Final Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you master signing “with” in ASL:
- Practice and Repetition: Practice regularly to improve your signing fluency, including accurate representation of “with” in various contexts. The more you practice, the more natural your signing will become.
- Use Facial Expressions: Incorporate appropriate facial expressions to convey emotions and intention while signing “with.” These non-manual markers enhance the overall meaning and context of your message.
- Watch ASL Videos: Observe videos of Deaf individuals or reputable ASL interpreters signing “with” in diverse contexts. This visual exposure helps develop your understanding of proper signing techniques.
- Context Matters: Always consider the context of the conversation when choosing the appropriate signing method for “with.” Formal or informal settings can influence your signing style and choice of signs.
Example: Suppose you want to say, “I love cooking with my grandmother.” Sign LOVE, COOK, GRANDMOTHER, WITH (while using the respective signs for love, cook, and grandmother).
Remember to practice regularly, embrace cultural nuances, and actively engage with the Deaf community to continually enhance your ASL skills. By learning how to sign “with” proficiently, you’ll develop greater fluency and be able to express yourself more effectively. Enjoy your journey in becoming a skilled ASL communicator!
