Learning sign language can open up a new world of communication. One of the fundamental signs you’ll want to master is “learn.” This guide will break down exactly how to sign “learn” in American Sign Language (ASL), explore variations, and clarify related signs like “student” and “learning.”
The sign for “learn” is visually intuitive, helping you remember it easily. Imagine you’re taking information directly from a book and placing it into your head. This is essentially the motion you’ll make when signing “learn.”
To perform the standard sign for “learn”:
- Start with your non-dominant hand flat, palm facing up, held in front of you. This represents the surface of a book or a page holding information.
- Take your dominant hand and form a pinch with your thumb and fingertips.
- Bring your dominant hand towards your non-dominant hand as if you are picking up information from the palm of your non-dominant hand.
- Lift your dominant hand up to your forehead.
- Touch your forehead with your pinched fingers, as if placing the information into your mind.
This complete motion, from the palm to the forehead, is the full and clearest way to sign “learn.”
Variations of the Sign “Learn”
Just like spoken language, sign language has variations. You might encounter a more casual or abbreviated version of the “learn” sign. This variation is quicker and requires less movement.
In this casual variation, you still start by picking up information from your non-dominant palm, but instead of bringing your hand all the way to your forehead, you stop midway. You bring the pinched hand upwards from your palm towards your head, but halt the motion before actually touching your forehead. This shortened movement still conveys “learn” but in a more relaxed manner.
Signing “Learning”
To sign “learning,” you modify the basic “learn” sign by repeating the motion. Instead of a single, smooth movement, you use a double motion. This repetition indicates a process, transforming the verb “learn” into the continuous action of “learning.”
To sign “learning,” perform the sign for “learn” twice. This repetition emphasizes the ongoing nature of the learning process.
Signing “Student” or “Learner”
To sign “student” or “learner,” you combine the sign for “learn” with the “person” sign, also known as the “agent” suffix. This is a common way in ASL to turn a verb into a noun denoting a person who performs that action (e.g., “teach” + “person” = “teacher”).
- Begin by signing “learn.”
- Immediately after completing the “learn” sign, transition into the “person” sign. The “person” sign is made by holding both hands flat, palms facing each other, and moving them down the body.
By combining “learn” and “person,” you create the sign for “student” or “learner”—someone who is engaged in the process of learning.
In informal conversation, you might see a more abbreviated sign for “student.” This informal sign starts like “learn,” where you pick up information from your palm, but then both hands become flat and move downwards, as if discarding a piece of paper. While less formal, it’s still understood as “student.”
Common Questions About Signing “Learn”
Question: I saw the sign for “learn” with a double motion. What does that mean?
Answer: A double motion on the sign “learn” typically means “learning.” In ASL, repeating the movement of a verb can change its meaning to a noun or a continuous process. For “learn,” the double motion signifies the ongoing process of “learning.” This principle applies to many verbs in ASL; for example, signing “teach” with a repeated motion can mean “teaching.”
Question: I’m confused about the sign for “learn” and “student.” Are they similar?
Answer: Yes, the signs for “learn” and “student” are related. The sign for “student” builds upon the sign for “learn.” You start with the sign for “learn” and then add the “person” sign to indicate someone who learns. Therefore, if you were signing “student” when you meant “learn,” you were likely performing the first part of the “student” sign correctly. Remember, “student” is “learn” + “person.”
Conclusion
Understanding how to sign “learn” is crucial for anyone beginning to learn ASL. By mastering the basic sign, its variations, and related signs like “learning” and “student,” you’ll build a solid foundation for your sign language journey. Remember to practice in front of a mirror to ensure your signs are clear and accurate. With consistent practice, you’ll become more comfortable and confident in your sign language skills.
