The Sign for Week in American Sign Language (ASL)

In American Sign Language (ASL), the concept of “week” can be expressed through specific signs and gestures. Understanding how to sign “week” and its variations is essential for effective communication in ASL.

The basic sign for “week” in ASL involves forming your dominant hand into an index-finger handshape and moving it forward over the palm of your non-dominant hand. This motion represents the passing of time and signifies the duration of a week [1].

Additionally, the ASL word “week” can be incorporated with a number between 1 and 9 to indicate a specific number of weeks. Beyond the number ten, the sign for the respective number is followed by the sign for “week” [1].

Expressing Recurring Weeks in ASL

In ASL, there are signs specifically used to express recurring weeks. These signs provide a way to convey the frequency of events or activities that occur on a weekly basis.

One common sign is “weekly.” It is derived from the regular ASL sign for “week” and is inflected to indicate a recurring pattern [2]. This sign is used to convey the concept of something happening every week.

Another variation is “biweekly.” The sign for “weekly” can be modified by incorporating a number between 1 and 9, followed by the sign for “week.” For example, “biweekly” signifies an event or activity occurring every two weeks [2].

Similarly, “tri-weekly” is a modification of the sign for “weekly” that incorporates a number between 1 and 9, indicating an event or activity occurring every three weeks [2]. This pattern can be extended further by incorporating higher numbers to represent events occurring every four, five, six, or more weeks.

Days of the Week in ASL

In addition to expressing the concept of “week,” ASL also has specific signs for each day of the week. These signs enable individuals to communicate the days of the week accurately.

Here are the signs for the days of the week in ASL:

• Sunday: Open both hands, palms facing you, and move them in a circular motion [3].
• Monday: Use the “M-hand” and turn it towards you in a little circle [3].
• Tuesday: Use the “T-hand,” flip it towards you, and do a little circle [3].
• Wednesday: Use the “W-hand” and turn it towards you in a circle [3].
• Thursday: Since the “T-hand” is already used in the sign for Tuesday, move the “H-hand” (the second letter of Thursday) in a circular motion [3].
• Friday: Use the “F-hand,” turn it towards you, and move it in a circle [3].
• Saturday: Use the “S-hand” and move it in a circle [3].

By incorporating these signs into conversations, individuals can effectively communicate the specific days of the week in ASL.

Sources

[1] Lifeprint: “Week in ASL.” Retrieved from: https://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-signs/w/week.htm

[2] HandSpeak: “How to tell WEEK in a calendar in ASL.” Retrieved from: https://www.handspeak.com/learn/172/

[3] ASL-Kids: “Days of the Week in Sign Language.” Retrieved from: https://asl-kids.com/days-of-the-week-in-sign-language/

FAQs

How do you sign “week” in ASL?

The sign for “week” in ASL is made by forming your dominant hand into an index-finger handshape and moving it forward over the palm of your non-dominant hand. This motion represents the passing of time and signifies the duration of a week.

Can you incorporate a number with the sign for “week” in ASL?

Yes, in ASL, the word “week” can be combined with a number between 1 and 9. For numbers beyond ten, you sign the respective number and then follow it with the sign for “week.” This allows you to indicate a specific number of weeks.

How do you express recurring weeks in ASL?

In ASL, there are signs specifically used to express recurring weeks. One common sign is “weekly,” which is derived from the regular ASL sign for “week” and inflected to indicate a recurring pattern. Another variation is “biweekly,” where the sign for “weekly” is modified by incorporating a number between 1 and 9 to represent events occurring every two weeks. Similarly, “tri-weekly” is a modification of the sign for “weekly” that represents events occurring every three weeks. The pattern can be extended with higher numbers for events occurring at longer intervals.

How do you sign the days of the week in ASL?

Each day of the week in ASL has a specific sign. Here are the signs for the days of the week:
– Sunday: Open both hands, palms facing you, and move them in a circular motion.
– Monday: Use the “M-hand” and turn it towards you in a little circle.
– Tuesday: Use the “T-hand,” flip it towards you, and do a little circle.
– Wednesday: Use the “W-hand” and turn it towards you in a circle.
– Thursday: Since the “T-hand” is already used in the sign for Tuesday, move the “H-hand” (the second letter of Thursday) in a circular motion.
– Friday: Use the “F-hand,” turn it towards you, and move it in a circle.
– Saturday: Use the “S-hand” and move it in a circle.

Can I use ASL signs for the days of the week in everyday conversations?

Yes, incorporating ASL signs for the days of the week can enhance your communication in ASL. Using these signs allows you to convey specific days and facilitates clearer understanding during conversations about schedules, plans, or events related to particular days.

Are there different signs for “week” in different sign languages?

Yes, different sign languages may have distinct signs for “week” based on the specific linguistic characteristics and cultural context of each sign language. It’s essential to study and learn the signs specific to the sign language you are using to ensure effective communication within that language community.