ASL: Expressing "Month" in Sign Language
Greetings, Readers!
Welcome to this comprehensive guide on expressing "month" in American Sign Language (ASL). Whether you’re just starting your ASL journey or looking to expand your vocabulary, this article will provide you with the essential signs and their nuances, helping you communicate effectively.
Signs for Months
1. January
- Form: Make a "J" shape with your dominant hand by bending your index finger and touching it to your thumb.
- Direction: Move your hand counterclockwise in a circular motion.
2. February
- Form: Extend your index finger and middle finger slightly apart, forming a "V" shape.
- Direction: Move your hand up and down, as if writing the letter "F."
3. March
- Form: Hold your hand in a fist with your thumb extended.
- Direction: Move your hand from the front to the back, representing the "M" in "March."
Fingerspelling Months
In addition to the iconic signs, you can also fingerspell each month. Here are the finger movements for each letter:
- J: Curl your index finger inward.
- A: Make a "V" shape with your index and middle fingers.
- N: Extend your index finger and tap it against your thumb.
- U: Extend your thumb, index, and pinky fingers.
- A: Make a "V" shape with your index and middle fingers.
- R: Curl your index finger and hook it over your thumb.
- Y: Extend your index finger and pinky finger.
Other Expressions
1. Last Month
- Form: Sign "MONTH" and then move your hand backwards to indicate the past.
- Translation: "Last month"
2. Next Month
- Form: Sign "MONTH" and then move your hand forwards to indicate the future.
- Translation: "Next month"
3. This Month
- Form: Sign "MONTH" and then tap your chest.
- Translation: "This month"
Months in ASL Table
| Month | Sign | Fingerspelling |
|---|---|---|
| January | J-shaped hand | J-A-N-U-A-R-Y |
| February | "V" hand | F-E-B-R-U-A-R-Y |
| March | Fist with extended thumb | M-A-R-C-H |
| April | A-P-R-I-L | |
| May | M-A-Y | |
| June | J-U-N-E | |
| July | J-U-L-Y | |
| August | A-U-G-U-S-T | |
| September | S-E-P-T-E-M-B-E-R | |
| October | O-C-T-O-B-E-R | |
| November | N-O-V-E-M-B-E-R | |
| December | D-E-C-E-M-B-E-R |
Conclusion
Expressing "month" in ASL is not only essential for effective communication but also a gateway to understanding the culture and nuances of the Deaf community. By practicing the signs and gestures outlined in this article, you can not only enhance your ASL vocabulary but also foster a deeper appreciation for the rich visual language that is ASL.
Additional Resources:
FAQ about "Month in ASL"
What is the sign for "month"?
- Hold your fist with your thumb extended and palm facing forward. Swing it from left to right in an arc.
How do you sign "January"?
- Touch your index finger to your forehead and move it down to your cheekbone.
How do you sign "February"?
- Touch your index finger to your left ear and move it down to your cheekbone.
How do you sign "March"?
- Touch your middle finger to your left cheek and move it down towards your chin.
How do you sign "April"?
- Touch your ring finger to your left chin and move it down towards your neck.
How do you sign "May"?
- Touch your pinky to your left neck and move it down towards your shoulder.
How do you sign "June"?
- Touch your thumb to your left cheek and move it down towards your neck.
How do you sign "July"?
- Touch your index finger to your right forehead and move it down to your cheekbone.
How do you sign "August"?
- Touch your index finger to your right ear and move it down to your cheekbone.
How do you sign "September"?
- Touch your middle finger to your right cheek and move it down towards your chin.
