Welcome! In American Sign Language (ASL), expressing the concept of “year” relies on a combination of handshapes, movements, and facial expressions. We’ll cover both formal and informal ways to say “year” in ASL, focusing on the standard usage while exploring a few regional variations where necessary. Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Year” in ASL
When expressing “year” formally in ASL, the following signs are commonly used:
1. Sign: YEAR
The most widely accepted and formal way to say “year” in ASL is by signing the term “YEAR” using a specific handshape and movement. Here’s how you do it:
- Hold your non-dominant hand flat, palm facing up, representing the “timeline.”
- With your dominant hand, use your index finger to sign the numeral “1” on the timeline, moving your finger from left to right.
This movement signifies the concept of time progressing horizontally along the timeline. Repeating the movement gives the impression of multiple years passing. This method is widely used in formal settings, such as educational institutions and professional settings.
2. Sign: ANNUALLY
If you wish to express the idea of something happening “annually” or “every year,” you can use the sign for “YEAR” mentioned above along with an additional sign for “EVERY.” Here’s how:
- Start with signing “YEAR” as described previously.
- Follow it by signing “EVERY,” which is done by extending your dominant index finger and making a circular motion towards yourself.
Together, this combination of signs conveys the concept of an event happening every year.
Informal Ways to Say “Year” in ASL
Informal usage of signs often varies across regions and communities. Here are a couple of informal ways to say “year” in ASL:
1. Sign: YEAR (Regional Variation)
In some regions, you may find a slightly modified version of the formal “YEAR” sign being used in everyday informal conversation. Instead of signing the numeral “1” from left to right on the timeline, some signers may choose to rotate their index finger anti-clockwise on their non-dominant hand’s palm. This variation is more relaxed and casual, commonly seen among friends and peers.
2. Fingerspelling: Y-E-A-R
An alternative approach in informal settings is fingerspelling the word “YEAR” using the ASL manual alphabet. This method involves using specific handshapes to represent each letter of the English word “YEAR.” It provides flexibility when signing in a casual context, where a direct ASL sign may not be necessary.
Tips and Examples
Facial Expressions
When signing “YEAR” or related concepts, remember to use appropriate facial expressions. Facial expressions play a crucial role in conveying meaning and emotion in ASL.
Context Matters
Ensure that the signs you use are appropriate for the context. Formal situations call for more precise and structured signs, while casual settings allow for some flexibility.
Practice and Fluency
To become fluent in signing “YEAR” or any other ASL terms, consistent practice is essential. Regularly engaging with ASL speakers or using online resources like ASL tutorials and dictionaries can greatly improve your understanding and proficiency.
Example Sentences
1. I’ve been studying ASL for two years now!
2. My birthday is celebrated annually on May 10th.
3. We’ll have our family reunion next year.
4. The event takes place every year in this city.
5. How many years have you been working in this company?
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned various ways to say “year” in ASL, both formally and informally. Remember to choose the appropriate sign based on the setting and context in which you are communicating. Practice regularly and aim for fluency by immersing yourself in ASL conversations and resources. Signing “year” accurately is an important step towards effective communication in American Sign Language!
