The sign "used to" in American Sign Language (ASL) is used to express actions or conditions in the past. When signed, it typically involves a forward motion with the dominant hand, indicating a point in the past when the action or condition was happening.
Definition and usage
The sign "used to" is composed of the following elements:
- Base hand: This is the hand that performs the motion. In ASL, the base hand is the hand used to produce most signs. It is the starting point for creating a sign.
- Index finger: This is the finger that is extended forward from the tip of the base hand, and it points in the direction of the sign.
- Motion: The sign is a forward movement that starts with the base hand and ends with the index finger at a 45-degree angle to the initial position of the index finger.
Interpretation and examples
The sign "used to" can be used in several ways in ASL:
- Past Action: When used to describe a past action, the sign indicates that an action or condition was performed at some point in the past. For example, "I used to play soccer with my friends every weekend" would be signed as "U- S-C- H-I-F-T-L-E Y-E-A-R-S-K-B-E-T-T-L-E."
- Condition: It can also be used to indicate a persistent condition or habit in the past. For instance, "I used to live in New York city" would be signed as an 'L' sign with the index finger pointing sideward and shaken back and forth to indicate longevity.
- Meaning: In certain contexts, the sign may indicate a general sense of familiarity or past usage, without specifying a specific action. For example, "I used to know how to drive a manual car" would be signed as a 'U' sign with the palm facing slightly downwards and rotated forward to suggest competence.
Substitutions and variations
While the basic sign for "used to" is relatively fixed, there are some variations and substitutions that can be made to suit different contexts:
- Substitutions: Sometimes, the sign for "used to" is replaced with other signs that convey similar meanings. For example, if someone wants to express a past usage without mentioning a specific action, they might use the sign for "purchased" instead of "used to."
- Variations: As with any language, ASL signers often experiment with variations in signs to suit their preferences or the context. For example, a forward movement can be made more exaggerated or less pronounced to emphasize the point.
Visual aids
To help visualize the sign "used to" in ASL, imagine a hand starting at shoulder level, with the index finger extended forward. The hand then moves in a smooth, circular motion towards the dominant side of the body, ending with the index finger at a 45-degree angle to its initial position.
Conclusion
To further explore the sign "used to" and other ASL signals, signing savvy members can access detailed descriptions and memory aids in Signing Savvy's comprehensive dictionary. Additionally, watching videos showcasing the signs in context can provide a deeper insight into how ASL signers use these signals in everyday communication.
