How to Sign Seriously in ASL - American Sign Language

American Sign Language (ASL) is a rich and beautiful language used by the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community in the United States and parts of Canada. ASL is not just a collection of handshapes but also involves facial expressions, body movements, and other non-manual markers that add depth and clarity to the message being communicated. One word that might come up frequently in conversations, especially in more serious or intense contexts, is the word seriously.

In this article, we will dive into the different aspects of how to sign seriously in ASL. We’ll cover everything from the basic handshape and orientation to the facial expressions and cultural considerations that come with this sign. Whether you’re just starting with ASL or are looking to expand your vocabulary, this guide will walk you through how to sign seriously with ease.

Introduction to Seriously in ASL

In ASL, the sign for seriously can express a variety of emotions depending on the context. It can show that you are being sincere, expressing urgency, or indicating that you are serious about something. Just like in spoken English, the word seriously in ASL adds weight or emphasis to the conversation, so it’s important to understand the nuances behind the sign.

ASL relies not only on hand movements but also on facial expressions and non-manual markers to convey meaning. The sign for seriously is no different, as it requires certain facial cues to fully express the intended tone. This makes ASL a dynamic and engaging form of communication.

Now, let’s explore the handshape and orientation for the sign.

Basic Handshape and Orientation of Seriously in ASL

To sign seriously in ASL, you will need to use a simple handshape that is common in many other ASL signs. The handshape for seriously is the letter C.

Start by forming a C shape with your dominant hand. Your fingers should be curved slightly, and your thumb should be opposite to the rest of your fingers.
Position your hand near your face, around chin height or slightly below.
The orientation of your hand should face toward you, with your palm directed inward, and your fingers pointing slightly downward.

This basic handshape is easy to recognize and will help convey the meaning of seriously when combined with facial expressions and body movement.

Step-by-Step Signing Instructions for Seriously in ASL

Now that we know the basic handshape and orientation, let’s walk through the full sign for seriously in ASL.

Start with the C handshape: Begin by forming a C with your dominant hand. Hold your hand near your face, making sure your fingers are slightly curved and your palm is directed toward your face.
Move your hand downward: Once your hand is positioned near your face, gently move it down a little bit. The movement should be controlled and steady. You are not making a large or sweeping motion, just a slight downward movement that shows seriousness.
Facial Expression: As you move your hand, make sure your facial expression matches the seriousness of the sign. You might furrow your brows or look more intense in your gaze to convey that you are being sincere or serious about what you are talking about.
Completion: The sign can end when your hand is near chest level, although it might not need to go that far down depending on the context and the intensity of the conversation.

When signing seriously, it is important to move at a pace that feels natural. The sign is not meant to be exaggerated or rushed. The combination of the C handshape, downward movement, and your facial expression gives the sign its full meaning.

Facial Expressions and Non-Manual Markers for Seriously in ASL

In ASL, facial expressions play a crucial role in conveying meaning. This is especially true when signing words like seriously. The right facial expression will help the listener understand the tone and intent of your message. Without these non-manual markers (NMMs), the sign could lose its impact.

Here’s how to use facial expressions and non-manual markers when signing seriously:

Eyebrows: Furrow your eyebrows slightly to show seriousness. This is one of the most important non-manual markers for this sign. If you raise your eyebrows instead, it could make the sign seem more like a question, which changes its meaning.
Eyes: Your eyes should be focused and intense. Looking directly at the person you are communicating with will add weight to the sign. If you glance away or look distracted, it could reduce the seriousness of your message.
Mouth: Keep your mouth in a neutral or slightly firm position. A tight mouth often indicates seriousness in ASL. Smiling or using an overly relaxed expression might confuse the meaning.

The combination of these facial expressions along with the hand movement creates a sign that is both clear and powerful. Remember that ASL is very much about matching the right expression with the sign.

Common Variations and Regional Differences for Seriously in Sign Language

ASL, like any language, has regional differences and variations. In some areas, the sign for seriously might be slightly different, but the overall meaning remains the same. For example:

In some regions, people might use a larger or smaller handshape, depending on their local signing community. This is because ASL is a living language and can vary from place to place.
Alternative Signs: While the C handshape is the most common, there may be other ways to convey seriousness in specific contexts. For example, some people may use a two-handed sign or incorporate other handshapes depending on the phrase or sentence they are using.

If you are learning ASL, it’s always good to be aware of the local signs in the community where you live or learn. That way, you can adapt your vocabulary and style to communicate more effectively with people in your area.

Practicing and Politeness for Seriously in Sign Language

When learning how to sign seriously, practice is key. Repetition will help you get the handshape, movement, and facial expressions right. Here are a few tips for practicing the sign:

Mirror Practice: Stand in front of a mirror while you sign. This will help you ensure that your facial expressions are matching the seriousness of the sign.
Record Yourself: Use your phone or camera to record your signing. Watch the video and make adjustments as needed. This can help you spot areas where you might be over-exaggerating or not emphasizing enough.
Partner Practice: Practice with a partner who knows ASL or a teacher. They can give you feedback on your handshape, movement, and facial expressions.

Politeness is always important in ASL, just as it is in any language. When signing seriously, make sure to use appropriate body language and tone. If you’re in a more formal or respectful context, be mindful of your expressions and how strongly you show your seriousness.

Using Seriously in Everyday Situations

The word seriously is used frequently in daily conversations. Here are some examples of how you might use the sign for seriously in different situations:

Expressing Sincerity: You might use seriously to show that you are being genuine or earnest. For example, if you’re giving advice to someone, you might sign seriously to show that you truly mean it.
- Example: Seriously, you need to take this seriously.
  (Here, the sign for seriously emphasizes the importance of the advice being given.)
Expressing Surprise or Shock: If someone tells you something unbelievable, you might sign seriously to express disbelief or surprise.
- Example: You got the job? Seriously?
  (Here, the sign conveys that you are surprised or in disbelief.)
Expressing Intensity: Seriously can be used when you want to show intensity in your feelings. For example, you might use it to show that something is very important or that you are being very serious about something.
- Example: Seriously, stop joking around.
  (This use of seriously shows urgency and a strong desire for someone to be more serious.)

Additional Signs for Seriously in ASL

While the sign for seriously is fairly straightforward, you may encounter other related signs in ASL that add layers of meaning. Here are a few additional signs that can complement the sign for seriously:

Important: You might use the sign for important in combination with seriously to emphasize the importance of something you are discussing.
Really: In some cases, you might use really alongside seriously to add even more weight to what you’re saying.
No Joke: This sign is often used when you want to emphasize that you’re not kidding around, which pairs well with seriously.

If you’re interested in learning more signs like these, it’s always a good idea to take ASL classes or explore additional resources on ASL vocabulary.

Cultural Considerations of Seriously in ASL

American Sign Language is not just a language; it is an integral part of Deaf culture. Understanding the cultural context of a sign is crucial for meaningful communication.

In Deaf culture, being serious is often an important part of discussions, especially in formal settings. When using the sign for seriously, it’s important to match the level of seriousness with the topic at hand. For example, if you’re discussing something important or emotionally charged, the sign should reflect that intensity. On the other hand, using it in a casual conversation might be less intense.

Furthermore, Deaf culture places great value on direct communication. When using signs like seriously, it’s important to be clear and to the point. Unlike in hearing cultures, where people might soften their words or be indirect, in Deaf culture, the emphasis is on clarity and sincerity.

Conclusion of Seriously in ASL

In conclusion, signing seriously in ASL is straightforward but requires careful attention to handshape, movement, facial expressions, and the context in which it is used. By understanding the proper way to use this sign, along with its cultural implications, you will be better equipped to communicate in a way that is clear, respectful, and meaningful in ASL.

Whether you’re signing to express sincerity, surprise, or importance, seriously is a powerful word in ASL that can add depth and nuance to your conversations. Practice it regularly, and soon it will become a natural part of your ASL vocabulary.

For more tips and resources on learning ASL, feel free to visit ASL Sign Language and continue your learning journey.