American Sign Language (ASL) is a visually rich language, and mastering fundamental signs is the first step to fluency. One of the most crucial signs to learn is “LEARN.” This guide will break down the sign for “LEARN,” explore its variations, and help you understand related signs like “LEARNING” and “STUDENT.”
The Basic Sign for “LEARN” in ASL
The sign for “LEARN” in ASL is visually descriptive, resembling the act of acquiring knowledge and placing it in your mind. Imagine taking information directly from a book and storing it in your head – this is the essence of the sign.
To perform the sign “LEARN”:
- Handshape: Use your dominant hand and form a flat “O” handshape (some describe it as pinching your thumb and fingertips together). Your non-dominant hand is held flat, palm facing up, acting as a surface.
- Starting Position: Place the fingers of your “O” hand on the palm of your non-dominant hand.
- Movement: Move your “O” hand upwards and towards your forehead. As you move, open your “O” hand slightly as if grasping information from the palm of your non-dominant hand and bringing it to your head.
Variation of the “LEARN” Sign: The Casual Sign
There’s a common variation of the “LEARN” sign that is more relaxed and requires less movement. In this casual form, you still start by taking information from your non-dominant hand, but you don’t bring your hand all the way to your forehead. You stop midway, indicating the same meaning of “LEARN” but with less effort. This variation is frequently used in everyday conversation among fluent signers.
Signing “LEARNING”: Adding Repetition
To express “LEARNING,” which is the process of acquiring knowledge, you modify the sign “LEARN” by repeating the movement. Instead of a single motion towards your head, you use a double motion. This repetition often signifies a process or continuous action in ASL, similar to how adding “-ing” to a verb in English denotes ongoing action. This principle of modifying movement to change verb tense or form is common in ASL.
“STUDENT” in ASL: Building upon “LEARN”
The sign for “STUDENT” directly builds upon the sign for “LEARN.” In ASL, you can often create nouns from verbs by adding the “PERSON” sign (also known as the “agent suffix”). To sign “STUDENT,” you first perform the sign “LEARN” and then immediately follow it with the sign for “PERSON.” This combination literally translates to “LEARN-PERSON,” signifying someone who is learning – a student.
Interestingly, there’s also a more abbreviated, informal sign for “STUDENT” used by Deaf individuals in casual conversation. This sign resembles discarding a piece of paper. You start similarly to “LEARN” by taking “something” from your non-dominant palm, but then both hands become flat and move downwards, as if throwing away information after learning it, or perhaps quickly summarizing the concept of student life and work.
Memory Hint for “LEARN”
To easily remember the sign for “LEARN,” reinforce the memory hint: visualize yourself grabbing information from a book or a piece of paper held in your non-dominant hand and placing that knowledge into your head. This visual association can significantly aid in recall and correct execution of the sign.
Conclusion
Understanding the sign for “LEARN” and its related signs is fundamental in ASL. By practicing these signs and understanding their nuances, you are taking significant steps in your ASL journey. Remember to use visual cues, memory hints, and practice regularly to enhance your signing skills and fluency in American Sign Language. Keep practicing and expanding your ASL vocabulary!
