The sign for “learn” in American Sign Language (ASL) visually represents the act of acquiring knowledge. It involves a motion that mimics taking information and placing it into your head.
Understanding the Sign for LEARN
The dominant hand (typically your right hand if you’re right-handed) forms a flattened “C” shape, as if scooping up information. This hand then moves from the open palm of your non-dominant hand (usually the left), which represents a source of knowledge like a book or page, towards your forehead. The movement suggests gathering information and placing it into your brain.
Variations of the LEARN Sign
While the basic sign for “learn” is as described above, there are some common variations:
- Full Version: The hand moves all the way to the forehead, emphasizing the absorption of knowledge.
- Casual Version: The hand moves towards the head but stops short of touching the forehead. This version is more relaxed and requires less effort. This variation still means “learn.”
LEARN vs. STUDENT
The sign for “student” incorporates the sign for “learn” but adds a suffix called the “agent marker.” This marker transforms the verb “learn” into a noun indicating a person who learns. The agent marker is often represented by adding the sign for “PERSON” to the base sign.
It’s important to note that in everyday conversation, the sign for “student” is often abbreviated. The abbreviated version might look like discarding a piece of paper. However, the core movement of “learn” is still present.
Inflecting Verbs in ASL
Many ASL verbs can be modified to change their meaning by altering the movement. A single movement signifies the basic verb, while a double movement can transform the verb into a noun (e.g., “SIT” becomes “CHAIR”) or indicate a continuous process (e.g., “TEACH” becomes “TEACHING”). For example, signing “LEARN” with a repeated movement can indicate the ongoing process of “learning.” This nuance in movement adds depth and complexity to ASL communication.
