Learning how to express different time markers in American Sign Language (ASL) enhances your overall communication skills. One essential word that often comes up in daily conversations is “yesterday.” In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways of signing “yesterday” in ASL, with tips, examples, and some regional variations, if necessary. Let’s get started!
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Formal Ways to Sign “Yesterday” in ASL
In formal ASL, you can sign “yesterday” using the following variations:
1. Index Finger
One common formal way to sign “yesterday” is to use your index finger to point to your non-dominant wrist or the inside of your forearm in a circular motion. This sign signifies the idea of a day that has passed.
Example: Suppose you want to express, “I went to the park yesterday.” You would sign the sentence while using the formal sign for “yesterday” to indicate the specific time frame.
ASL Sentence: YESTERDAY, I GO PARK.
English Translation: I went to the park yesterday.
2. Thumb Back
Another formal way to sign “yesterday” is by placing the thumb of your non-dominant hand against your chest, and then pushing it backward in a smooth motion. This gesture represents the idea of a time frame that has moved behind you.
Example: Let’s say you want to say, “I met my friend yesterday.” You can use the formal “yesterday” sign incorporated into the sentence.
ASL Sentence: YESTERDAY, I MEET FRIEND.
English Translation: I met my friend yesterday.
Informal Ways to Sign “Yesterday” in ASL
Informal signing provides flexibility and allows variations to suit personal expressions and regional differences. Here are a couple of informal ways to sign “yesterday” in ASL:
1. Index Finger Tap
An informal way to sign “yesterday” is by tapping the tip of your index finger on the back of your non-dominant hand a couple of times. This sign typically indicates a short time frame or a quick reference to the previous day.
Example: Suppose you want to express, “I watched a movie yesterday.” You can use the informal sign for “yesterday” to convey a casual tone.
ASL Sentence: YESTERDAY, I WATCH MOVIE.
English Translation: I watched a movie yesterday.
2. Palm Downward Swipe
Another informal way to sign “yesterday” is by swiping the palm of your non-dominant hand downward across the front of your body using an open 5-handshape. This casual gesture symbolizes the passing of the previous day.
Example: Let’s say you want to say, “I had an amazing day yesterday!” Using the informal sign for “yesterday” adds a more personal touch to your expression.
ASL Sentence: YESTERDAY, DAY AMAZING!
English Translation: I had an amazing day yesterday!
Regional Variations
ASL is a rich and diverse language with regional variations. The signing of “yesterday” may differ slightly depending on where you are. While the formal and informal signs mentioned previously are widely understood, regional variations may exist. It’s always beneficial to embrace and learn from these variations as they enhance your overall signing abilities.
Example: In certain regions, the formal sign for “yesterday” might include moving your index finger in a small circle on your temple instead of your wrist or forearm.
ASL Sentence: YESTERDAY, I GO STORE.
English Translation: I went to the store yesterday.
Remember, when communicating with sign language users from different regions, it’s essential to remain open-minded and adaptable to these variations.
Conclusion
Mastering time markers in ASL, such as “yesterday,” is crucial for effective communication. In formal situations, you can use the index finger or thumb-back signs to convey the concept of the previous day. Informal signing provides more flexibility, where you can tap your finger or swipe your palm to express “yesterday” in a casual manner. Additionally, some regional variations may exist, but it’s important to embrace these differences as they contribute to the richness and diversity of ASL. Keep practicing and learning, and soon you’ll become more proficient in expressing time-related concepts in American Sign Language!
