Introduction
In this article, we will explore the days of the week in American Sign Language (ASL) and learn how to sign them. ASL is a visual language used by the Deaf community in the United States and many other countries. It is a rich and expressive form of communication that involves handshapes, movements, and facial expressions.
Monday
To sign "Monday" in ASL, you use your dominant hand to make a fist and tap it twice on the open palm of your non-dominant hand. This represents the beginning of the week and is similar to the motion of pressing a button.
Tuesday
The sign for "Tuesday" involves your dominant hand making a fist with the thumb extended upward. You then move your hand in a circular motion on the back of your non-dominant hand. This sign represents the rotation or turning of the earth.
Wednesday
For "Wednesday," you use both hands with your palms facing downward. Your dominant hand rests on top of your non-dominant hand and you move them in a horizontal back-and-forth motion. This sign symbolizes the middle of the week.
Thursday
The sign for "Thursday" involves your dominant hand making a fist and tapping it twice on the side of your forehead. This motion represents the letter "T" and is a mnemonic for the initial letter of the word "Thursday."
Friday
To sign "Friday" in ASL, you use both hands with your palms facing inward. Place the fingertips of your dominant hand on top of the fingertips of your non-dominant hand and move them in a circular motion. This sign represents the end of the workweek and the beginning of the weekend.
Saturday
The sign for "Saturday" is made by extending your dominant hand with the palm facing upward. Use your non-dominant hand to tap the inside of your wrist twice. This sign represents the idea of relaxation and leisure time.
Sunday
For "Sunday," you use your dominant hand to make the letter "S" by extending your thumb and pinky finger while keeping the other fingers bent. Hold your hand at the side of your head and move it downward in a curved motion. This sign symbolizes the start of a new week.
Conclusion
Learning the days of the week in ASL can be a fun and interactive way to engage with the Deaf community. By using these signs, you can communicate about specific days and schedule activities with ease. Remember to practice and review these signs regularly to build your ASL vocabulary and fluency.
