How to Say “Is” in ASL is to make a fist with your dominant hand and place it in front of your chest, with your thumb extended and pointing upward. Then, move your hand forward in a small circle, keeping your thumb extended.
This sign is used to indicate the verb “to be” in the present tense. For example, to say “I am a student” in ASL, you would sign “I STUDENT.” To say “You are a teacher” in ASL, you would sign “YOU TEACHER.”
The sign for “is” can also be used to indicate possession. For example, to say “This is my book” in ASL, you would sign “THIS BOOK ME.” To say “That is your car” in ASL, you would sign “THAT CAR YOU.”
1. Fist and Thumb
The fist and thumb are two essential components of the sign for “is” in ASL. The fist represents the subject of the sentence, while the thumb represents the verb “to be.” By combining the fist and thumb, we create a sign that can be used to indicate the state of being or existence.
- Subject: The fist represents the subject of the sentence. For example, in the sign for “I am a student,” the fist would represent the signer.
- Verb: The thumb represents the verb “to be.” In the sign for “I am a student,” the thumb would represent the verb “am.”
- State of Being: The combination of the fist and thumb creates a sign that can be used to indicate the state of being or existence. For example, in the sign for “I am a student,” the fist and thumb together indicate that the signer is a student.
The sign for “is” in ASL is a versatile gesture that can be used in a variety of contexts. It is an important part of ASL grammar, and it is essential for understanding and producing ASL sentences.
2. Chest Placement
In American Sign Language (ASL), the placement of the fist in front of the chest is a crucial aspect of the sign for “is.” This placement serves several important functions:
- Spatial Reference: The chest placement provides a spatial reference point for the sign. It indicates that the action or state of being is happening to the signer or to something in front of them.
- Grammatical Function: The chest placement helps to distinguish the sign for “is” from other ASL signs that use similar handshapes. For example, the sign for “me” is also made with a fist, but it is placed in front of the signer’s chin.
- Emphasis: The chest placement can be used to emphasize the sign for “is.” This is done by moving the fist forward slightly while making the sign.
Overall, the chest placement is an essential part of the sign for “is” in ASL. It provides spatial reference, grammatical function, and emphasis, all of which contribute to the meaning and clarity of the sign.
3. Circular Motion
The circular motion of the sign for “is” in ASL is a key component that adds depth and meaning to the sign. This motion serves several important functions:
- Continuous Action: The circular motion indicates that the state of being or existence is ongoing or continuous. For example, in the sign for “I am a student,” the circular motion signifies that the signer is currently in the state of being a student.
- Emphasis: The circular motion can be used to emphasize the sign for “is.” This is done by making the circle larger or by moving the hand more quickly.
- Grammatical Function: The circular motion helps to distinguish the sign for “is” from other ASL signs that use similar handshapes. For example, the sign for “was” is also made with a fist and thumb, but it uses a back-and-forth motion instead of a circular motion.
Overall, the circular motion of the sign for “is” in ASL is an essential component that provides additional meaning and grammatical function to the sign. It is an important part of ASL grammar, and it is essential for understanding and producing ASL sentences.
FAQs about “How to Say Is in ASL”
Here are some frequently asked questions about the sign for “is” in American Sign Language (ASL):
Question 1: What is the sign for “is” in ASL?
The sign for “is” in ASL is made by making a fist with your dominant hand and extending your thumb. Place the fist in front of your chest, with your elbow bent. Then, move your hand forward in a small circle, keeping your thumb extended.
Question 2: How do you use the sign for “is” in a sentence?
The sign for “is” can be used in a variety of ways to indicate the state of being or existence. For example, to say “I am a student” in ASL, you would sign “I STUDENT.” To say “You are a teacher” in ASL, you would sign “YOU TEACHER.”
Question 3: Can the sign for “is” be used to indicate possession?
Yes, the sign for “is” can also be used to indicate possession. For example, to say “This is my book” in ASL, you would sign “THIS BOOK ME.” To say “That is your car” in ASL, you would sign “THAT CAR YOU.”
Question 4: How do you indicate different tenses with the sign for “is”?
To indicate the past tense, the sign for “is” can be made with a backward circular motion. To indicate the future tense, the sign for “is” can be made with a forward circular motion.
Question 5: Can the sign for “is” be combined with other signs?
Yes, the sign for “is” can be combined with other signs to create more complex phrases and sentences. For example, to say “I am going to the store” in ASL, you would sign “I GO STORE.”
Question 6: What are some common mistakes people make when signing “is”?
One common mistake is to make the circular motion too large. Another common mistake is to move the hand too quickly or too slowly. It is important to practice the sign for “is” regularly to ensure that you are signing it correctly.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the sign for “is” in ASL. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact a qualified ASL instructor.
Summary: The sign for “is” in ASL is a versatile and important sign that can be used in a variety of ways to indicate the state of being or existence. It is essential for understanding and producing ASL sentences.
Transition to the next article section: Now that you know how to sign “is” in ASL, you can start learning other basic ASL signs.
Tips for Signing “Is” in ASL
Here are some tips to help you sign “is” in ASL correctly and effectively:
Tip 1: Make sure your fist is tight and your thumb is extended. A loose fist or a bent thumb can make the sign difficult to understand.
Tip 2: Place your fist in front of your chest, not too close and not too far away. The ideal distance is about 6 inches from your body.
Tip 3: Move your hand forward in a small circle. The circle should be about the size of a quarter.
Tip 4: Keep your thumb extended throughout the entire sign. A bent thumb can change the meaning of the sign.
Tip 5: Practice signing “is” regularly. The more you practice, the easier it will become to sign it correctly.
Tip 6: Use the sign for “is” in context. This will help you to understand how the sign is used in real-world situations.
Tip 7: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you are struggling to sign “is,” ask a qualified ASL instructor for help.
Tip 8: Be patient. Learning ASL takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t master the sign for “is” right away.
How to Say “Is” in ASL
The sign for “is” in ASL is a versatile and important sign that can be used in a variety of ways to indicate the state of being or existence. It is essential for understanding and producing ASL sentences.
In this article, we have explored the different aspects of the sign for “is” in ASL, including its handshape, placement, and movement. We have also provided some tips to help you sign “is” correctly and effectively.
We encourage you to practice signing “is” regularly. The more you practice, the easier it will become to sign it correctly. You can also use the sign for “is” in context to help you understand how it is used in real-world situations.
Remember, learning ASL takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t master the sign for “is” right away. Just keep practicing and you will eventually be able to sign it with confidence.
