How to Sign Minute in ASL – American Sign Language

/ Starts With M

Introduction to Minute in ASL

American Sign Language (ASL) is a rich, visual language used by the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities in the United States and parts of Canada. It is a language that relies on hand shapes, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning. Just like spoken languages, ASL has unique signs for words, including terms related to time, like minute.

The word minute in ASL can refer to a unit of time (60 seconds) or to describe something small in size. In this guide, we will focus on how to sign minute when referring to time, which is the most common use of this word. You will learn the basic handshape, orientation, movement, and some cultural considerations that come with using this sign in conversations. By the end of this guide, you will be able to confidently use the sign for minute in various contexts and understand how to practice it effectively.

Basic Handshape and Orientation of Minute in ASL

To sign minute in ASL, you will use two key elements: your handshape and the orientation of your hand. Here’s a breakdown of how to create the sign.

Handshape

  • For the sign of minute, you will use the H handshape. To do this, extend your index finger and your thumb, making them straight. The other fingers should be curled into your palm.
  • This is the same handshape used for the letter H in ASL, which is why it is referred to as the H handshape.

Orientation

  • Hold your H handshape with your palm facing your body.
  • Position your hand in front of your body, slightly above the waist and at chest height.
  • Your index finger should be pointing toward the left (if you are right-handed) or the right (if you are left-handed).

Movement

  • The movement for minute is simple. You will slightly rotate your hand from the wrist in a clockwise motion. This small circular motion mimics the movement of a clock hand and represents the passage of time.
  • The motion should be subtle and smooth. It should feel natural, almost like you are tracing a circle with your index finger in the air.

The combination of the H handshape and the small wrist movement helps convey the concept of a minute as a unit of time in ASL.

Step-by-Step Signing Instructions for Minute in ASL

Let’s break down the steps to sign minute in ASL with a bit more detail:

  1. Step 1: Start by forming the H handshape. Stretch out your thumb and index finger, curling the other fingers into your palm.
  2. Step 2: Hold your hand in front of your body, with the palm facing inward. Position it about chest height and slightly to the left or right of your body (depending on whether you’re using your dominant hand).
  3. Step 3: Rotate your hand at the wrist in a small, smooth circular motion. The motion should be subtle, resembling the movement of a clock’s minute hand.
  4. Step 4: After performing the motion, relax your hand back into a neutral position, completing the sign.

That’s all there is to it! The minute sign is simple and effective, with its smooth movement clearly indicating the passing of time.

Facial Expressions and Non-Manual Markers for Minute in ASL

In ASL, facial expressions and non-manual markers (NMMs) are just as important as the hand movements. These visual cues help add clarity and emotion to your signs. While signing minute, you don’t need to use a specific facial expression, but your expressions can enhance the meaning depending on the context.

Facial Expressions

  • Neutral Expression: For a standard conversation, a neutral facial expression works well. This can be used when you are simply discussing time or asking about the length of something in minutes.
  • Emphasizing Short Time: If you want to emphasize that something took only a very short time or will only take a minute, you can raise your eyebrows slightly. This small expression adds emphasis to the quickness or brevity of the moment.
  • Questioning: If you’re asking how many minutes something will take, raise your eyebrows as you sign minute and lean forward slightly. This is a common feature in ASL questions that use facial expressions to indicate curiosity.

Non-Manual Markers (NMMs)

  • Head Tilt: A slight head tilt forward while raising your eyebrows can also indicate a question or add emphasis when signing minute.
  • Pausing: If you are emphasizing the length of time something took (e.g., It only took a minute), you can pause briefly after signing minute for dramatic effect.

These facial expressions and NMMs help to ensure that the sign is understood in the correct context. Adjusting your face can also add tone, so be aware of how your expressions change the meaning of what you’re signing.

Common Variations and Regional Differences for Minute in Sign Language

Just like any language, ASL has regional differences in how signs are performed. These variations might occur depending on where you live or who you’re communicating with. However, the sign for minute is generally the same across most regions, with only slight differences in execution. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Regional Differences in the Sign for Minute

  • Some regions may use a slightly different movement when signing minute. For example, while the standard movement is a small circular motion, some people might use a faster or more exaggerated motion, particularly if they are emphasizing the speed of time passing.
  • In some cases, the hand might not rotate as smoothly or might appear more jerky. This can be more of a personal variation rather than a regional one, and it doesn’t affect the meaning of the sign as long as the H handshape and the palm orientation remain consistent.

Dialects and Accents

  • Just as with spoken languages, dialects exist within ASL. People in different parts of the country or even within the same community may use subtle variations when signing minute. If you encounter someone using a different variation, it’s important to stay open-minded and accept those differences.

When learning a new sign, it’s always helpful to ask others how they sign a particular word or phrase in their region. This openness will help you learn and communicate more effectively within the ASL community.

Practicing and Politeness for Minute in Sign Language

As with any skill, practice is key to mastering the sign for minute. Here are some tips for practicing and making sure you are using the sign politely and effectively:

Tips for Practicing the Minute Sign

  1. Use a Mirror: Practice in front of a mirror to ensure your handshape, orientation, and movement are correct. This will help you spot mistakes and make adjustments.
  2. Record Yourself: Another great way to practice is by recording yourself. This allows you to review your technique and compare it to instructional videos or guides.
  3. Practice with Others: Find friends or classmates who are fluent in ASL and practice together. It’s always helpful to get feedback from others.
  4. Repeat Often: Regular practice is the best way to ensure the sign becomes fluid and natural. Repetition will help you internalize the handshape, movement, and overall flow of the sign.

Politeness in ASL

When signing, it’s important to be respectful and polite, just as you would in any other form of communication. Here are a few politeness tips to keep in mind when using ASL:

  • Eye Contact: Always maintain eye contact when you are signing. This shows respect and ensures that the other person is engaged in the conversation.
  • Facial Expressions: As mentioned earlier, facial expressions can play a huge role in communication. Be mindful of your expressions and adjust them according to the context.
  • Wait Your Turn: In ASL, like in spoken language, turn-taking is important. Wait for the other person to finish before signing.
  • Be Clear: When asking for clarification, be polite and patient. If someone is unclear about your sign, don’t hesitate to explain or ask them to repeat.

By practicing good manners in ASL, you will be able to communicate more effectively and respectfully with others.

Using Minute in Everyday Situations

The sign for minute is used frequently in everyday life. You might need to use it when discussing time, duration, or quick actions. Here are some examples of how you might use the sign for minute in various situations:

Talking About Time

  • Asking How Long Something Will Take: If you’re asking someone how long an activity will take, you can sign minute to inquire about time. For example, How many minutes will it take?
  • Describing Duration: If you’re talking about how long something lasted, you can use the sign for minute to describe the duration. For example, It only took a minute or I’ll be back in a minute.

Small Amount of Time

  • Expressing Quick Actions: If something happens quickly, you can use the sign for minute to emphasize how fast something occurred. For example, That was just a minute ago.

Describing Small Things

In some contexts, minute can refer to something small, not just a unit of time. In such cases, you can use the sign to describe something tiny or insignificant.

Additional Signs for Minute

If you’re interested in expanding your vocabulary, here are some additional signs related to time and measurement that you might find helpful:

  1. Second: To sign second, make the S handshape (a fist) and tap your index finger on your chin.
  2. Hour: To sign hour, form the letter H with both hands and circle them in front of your chest.
  3. Day: To sign day, form the letter D with your hand and tap it against your forehead.
  4. Week: To sign week, extend your hand and make a circular motion in front of your body with your index finger.
  5. Year: To sign year, circle your dominant hand around the palm of your non-dominant hand, mimicking the movement of a calendar.

Learning these related signs can help you create more fluid conversations about time in ASL.

Cultural Considerations of Minute in ASL

ASL is not just a language but a vital part of Deaf culture. It’s important to understand that the language and culture are closely intertwined. When signing, always be mindful of how your signs might be received.

Cultural Respect

  • Be respectful of Deaf culture and the people who use ASL as their primary means of communication. Show interest in learning more about the language and its nuances.

Communication Context

  • Be aware of the context in which you are using signs. Time-related discussions, such as how long something takes, can be significant depending on the situation, so make sure to adapt your signs appropriately.

By understanding and respecting ASL and Deaf culture, you will be able to communicate more effectively and avoid misunderstandings.

Conclusion of Minute

Learning how to sign minute in ASL is an essential skill for anyone who wishes to engage in conversations about time. By following the simple handshape and movement steps, you will be able to express this concept clearly and efficiently. Through consistent practice and attention to facial expressions, you can enhance your ability to communicate in ASL, making your conversations more engaging and meaningful.

For more information about ASL and other signs, visit ASL Sign Languages. Happy signing!

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