The art of sign language is a fascinating and complex language, capable of conveying a vast array of emotions and thoughts. One of the most essential signs in American Sign Language (ASL) is the verb "move," which can be inflected in various ways to express different nuances of motion.
Overview of the ASL sign for 'MOVE'
The ASL sign for "MOVE" is composed of two flat-hand ("O"-shaped) gestures, one in front of the other. The hands move simultaneously and smoothlyTowards the direction that the signifier wishes to indicate. The palms of the hands are typically directed downward, and there is a slight angular arc formed as the hands move.
Inflection of the Sign for 'MOVE'
The ASL sign for "MOVE" can be inflected to match the subject and object of the sentence, adhering to ASL's grammatical rules. For example, if the subject is human, the sign might include the gesture for "go" (by moving the hands towards the torso as if propelling oneself forward) along with other suitable adjustments for number and gender agreement.
Uses of the ASL sign for 'MOVE' in Context
The Sign for "MOVE" is used to describe a wide range of actions, including physical movement, such as moving furniture or objects, or more abstract movements, such as emotional or mental transitions. It can also be used to discuss changes in location, such as moving away from one place to another, or rearranging items within a space.
The Sign and Deaf Culture
The use of the ASL sign for "MOVE" is deeply ingrained in the deaf culture, where the visual nature of sign language allows for effective communication in situations where listening is challenging. For instance, a deaf person might use the sign to request the moving of an object that is in their way or to express that they are moving to a new location.
Subtleties of the Sign for 'MOVE'
There are subtleties and variations of the sign for "MOVE" that can be used depending on the context and desired emphasis. For example, signing "MOVE" more slowly or using different speeds and dynamics can convey different intensities of movement.
Conclusion
The ASL sign for "MOVE" is a powerful and versatile verb that allows signers to convey a wide range of information about motion and position. By combining the ASL sign for "MOVE" with other signs, dancers can add layers of meaning and emotion to their performances, making the visual language even more dynamic and expressive.
