The ASL Sign for Night
In American Sign Language (ASL), the sign for “night” is an essential term used to express the concept of the period of darkness between sunset and sunrise. Understanding and using this sign allows individuals to communicate about nighttime activities, distinguish between night and day, and describe various nighttime experiences.
Description of the Sign
The sign for “night” involves a bent flat dominant hand with its palm facing down resting over the non-dominant palm-down flat hand, where the dominant forearm generally rests on the non-dominant hand. This hand configuration represents the darkness and tranquility of the nighttime hours.
This sign can also be expressed using a gesture that resembles the twilight sun setting over the horizon. To convey “night” in this way, you hold your non-dominant hand horizontally across your body and lower your dominant hand with fingers cupped over the non-dominant hand. This gesture visually represents the transition from daylight to darkness.
Related Signs
In addition to the sign for “night,” there are related signs that expand on the concept of nighttime in ASL.
Evening
In ASL, the sign for “evening” is related to the early part of the night, typically from around 6 p.m. until bedtime. It involves the dominant, palm-down, flat hand dangling over the non-dominant, palm-down, flat hand, with the bottom of the dominant arm resting on top of the non-dominant hand. This sign distinguishes between the evening hours and the later part of the night.
Conclusion
The ASL sign for “night” allows individuals to effectively communicate about nighttime activities and experiences. Whether using the hand configuration or the gesture resembling twilight, understanding and using these signs enhances communication and promotes inclusivity in sign language conversations.
Sources:
- Handspeak. (n.d.). NIGHT • ASL Dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.handspeak.com/word/1492/
- Baby Sign Language. (n.d.). Night. Retrieved from https://babysignlanguage.com/dictionary/night/
- Handspeak. (n.d.). EVENING • ASL Dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.handspeak.com/word/693/
FAQs
How do you sign “night” in American Sign Language (ASL)?
The sign for “night” in ASL involves a bent flat dominant hand with its palm facing down resting over the non-dominant palm-down flat hand, where the dominant forearm generally rests on the non-dominant hand. This sign represents the period of darkness between sunset and sunrise.
Are there alternative ways to express “night” in ASL?
Yes, there is another way to sign “night” in ASL. You can use a gesture that resembles the twilight sun setting over the horizon. To do this, hold your non-dominant hand horizontally across your body and lower your dominant hand with fingers cupped over the non-dominant hand. This gesture visually represents the transition from daylight to darkness.
What is the difference between the signs for “night” and “evening” in ASL?
The sign for “night” in ASL refers to the period of darkness between sunset and sunrise. On the other hand, the sign for “evening” in ASL is related to the early part of the night, typically from around 6 p.m. until bedtime. The sign for “evening” involves the dominant, palm-down, flat hand dangling over the non-dominant, palm-down, flat hand, with the bottom of the dominant arm resting on top of the non-dominant hand.
Can the sign for “night” be used in other contexts or phrases?
Yes, the sign for “night” can be used in various contexts and phrases. For example, it can be incorporated into phrases like “good night” or “silent night.” Additionally, the sign for “night” can be combined with other signs to express specific nighttime activities or experiences.
Are there any related signs to “night” in ASL?
Yes, there are related signs that expand on the concept of nighttime in ASL. Some of these signs include “dark,” “midnight,” “nighttime,” “nocturnal,” and “tonight.” These signs allow individuals to further describe or discuss nighttime-related topics in ASL.