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Days and times are a very
interesting subject in ASL for a few reasons: 1) There are many many ways to sign
different times, and 2) Their
specific place in a sentence can be debatable.
Days
and Times
Numbers in ASL are used in many ways. With numbers that are being used
for time concepts, the general rule is to tap the wrist (the sign for
time) and come right after with the number. Example:
- English: The meeting is at 2:00
- ASL: Meeting time2
With time there is a "9
rule", meaning that numbers 1 through 9 are generally made part of the
first sign. If you were to sign "The meeting is at 2:00", then two
would be incorporated into the tap on the wrist. Time 2:00 would become one sign, in
other words. Days are made
similarly. The sign for day,
and the "9 rule" are applied. This is also true with weeks and minutes. Those numbers and the sign
become one.
Please note, however, that the general sign for minute and the concept of one minute are two different signs.
The sign for minute is made
on the vertical palm of the hand, while one minute (or two, or three, etc.)
is made on the vertical index finger of the opposite hand. Think
of a number one on the left (for right-hand signers) hand, and placed
on top of that is another number one (or two,three, etc.) on the right
hand. The sign
then makes a quick forward movement, a bit like an upside down pendulum
(and like the sign for minute).
Years, however, are
different. Years do not
incorporate numbers into the sign, unless it is for a future or past
tense context. So what ends up happening is that the number is made
first, then year is signed. But wait. Here's your exception: If you're
signing next year or last year (1 year ago or in the
future) the 1 is
signed after you sign
year. The 1 also
indicates future or past
tense, meaning that if it's one year in the future the 1 is signed out
towards space, and if it's one year ago the 1 is signed towards the
back. Have I lost you?
- English: He came
here for three years.
- ASL: 3 year he
come-come-come
- English: He came
here three years ago.
- ASL: 3 year past
he (point) come
- English: He came
last year.
- ASL: Last-year he
(point) come.
- Note above explanation for one year past.
Basic
Grammar | Chapter
3
Email: Has this site helped you? Do
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Disclaimer: Much of what is on these pages has
been fully researched and is true to the best of my knowledge. If you
find an error, do not hesitate to email me and I will attempt to set it
straight. Website created by Carrie De Ruyter, Sept 1999. Updated
March 2005.
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