The ASL Sign for Night
American Sign Language (ASL) is a rich and expressive visual language used by the Deaf community. Like spoken languages, ASL has its own vocabulary and grammar. In ASL, signs are used to convey words, phrases, and concepts, including the concept of “night.”
Description of the Sign
The sign for “night” in ASL involves a specific handshape and movement. It is performed by using a bent flat dominant hand with its palm facing down, which rests over the non-dominant palm-down flat hand. The dominant forearm generally rests on the non-dominant hand. This sign visually represents the period of darkness between sunset and sunrise.
Gestural Representation of Twilight
Another way to express the concept of “night” in ASL is by using a gestural representation. This representation resembles the twilight sun setting over the horizon. To perform this sign, the non-dominant hand is held horizontally across the body, and the dominant hand with fingers cupped is lowered over the non-dominant hand. This gesture visually conveys the transition from daylight to darkness.
Sign for “Evening”
In addition to the sign for “night,” there is also a specific sign for “evening” in ASL. The concept of “evening” 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. The bottom of the dominant arm rests on top of the non-dominant hand. This sign specifically represents the beginning portion of the night.
Overall, the signs for “night” and “evening” in ASL provide a visual means of expressing the periods of darkness and the early part of the night. These signs are essential for Deaf individuals to communicate about time and understand the distinction between day and night.
Sources:
- Handspeak. (n.d.). “Night in Sign Language.” 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 in Sign Language.” 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.
Is there another way to represent the concept of “night” in ASL?
Yes, there is an alternative way to sign “night” in ASL. It can be gesturally represented by holding the non-dominant hand horizontally across the body and lowering the dominant hand with fingers cupped over the non-dominant hand, resembling the twilight sun setting over the horizon.
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” represents the early part of the night, typically from around 6 p.m. until bedtime.
Are there any specific handshapes or movements associated with the sign for “night” in ASL?
Yes, the sign for “night” in ASL involves a bent flat handshape with the palm facing down. The dominant hand rests over the non-dominant hand, and the dominant forearm generally rests on the non-dominant hand.
How is the concept of darkness conveyed in the sign for “night” in ASL?
The sign for “night” in ASL visually represents the period of darkness between sunset and sunrise. The handshape and placement of the hands convey the idea of the absence of light during this time.
Can the sign for “night” be used in combination with other signs to express different concepts?
Yes, the sign for “night” can be combined with other signs to convey various concepts related to nighttime activities, such as “bed,” “moon,” “sleep,” and “dark.” These combinations expand the vocabulary and allow for more nuanced communication in ASL.