American Sign Language (ASL) is a rich and expressive language used by the Deaf community in the United States. Like any language, ASL has its own unique rules and grammar. One important concept in ASL is the “Rule of 9,” which is used to incorporate numbers up to nine into signs for time and money. In this article, we will explore how the Rule of 9 is applied in ASL and how it can be used to express concepts of time and money effectively.
The Rule of 9 in ASL is a clever way to combine numbers and specific concepts into a single sign. This rule is applied to numbers one through five, as well as the number nine. Let’s start by looking at how the Rule of 9 is used to express minutes, hours, days, weeks, and months in ASL.
To sign “one minute” in ASL, you would use the sign for the number one (which is formed by extending your index finger) and then tap your finger on your wrist. This sign represents the concept of a minute. Similarly, to sign “two minutes,” you would use the sign for the number two and tap your finger twice on your wrist.
Moving on to hours, the sign for “one hour” involves extending your index finger and moving it in a circular motion around your wrist. For “two hours,” you would repeat this circular motion twice. To sign “three hours,” you would use the sign for the number three and make three circular motions around your wrist, and so on.
When it comes to days, the Rule of 9 is also applied. The sign for “one day” is formed by extending your index finger and sweeping it across your face, starting from one side and moving to the other. For “two days,” you would repeat this sweeping motion twice, and so on.
Moving on to weeks and months, the Rule of 9 is once again utilized. To sign “one week,” you would extend your index finger and move it in a circular motion on the back of your other hand. For “two weeks,” you would repeat this circular motion twice, and so on. Similarly, to sign “one month,” you would extend your index finger and move it in a circular motion in front of your chest. For “two months,” you would repeat this circular motion twice, and so forth.
Now, let’s explore how the Rule of 9 is used to express money in ASL. In this context, the numbers one through five and nine are combined with the sign for “money” to convey specific amounts.
To sign “one dollar,” you would use the sign for the number one and then bring your thumb and index finger together as if holding a coin. For “two dollars,” you would repeat this sign for the number two, and so on. To sign “nine dollars,” you would use the sign for the number nine and then the sign for “money.”
By incorporating the Rule of 9 into ASL, Deaf individuals can effectively express specific amounts of time and money without the need for lengthy explanations. This rule allows for clear and concise communication, which is crucial in any language.
The Rule of 9 in ASL is a valuable tool for expressing time and money concepts. By combining numbers one through five and nine with specific signs, ASL users can convey minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and monetary amounts efficiently. Understanding and practicing the Rule of 9 will enhance your ASL skills and improve your ability to communicate effectively within the Deaf community.
What Is The 9 Rule In ASL?
The Rule of 9 in American Sign Language (ASL) refers to a linguistic convention where numbers from one to nine are incorporated into specific concepts and expressed through a single sign. This rule allows for efficient communication by condensing the signing of multiple digits into one concise gesture. The conceptually related ideas that the Rule of 9 applies to include minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and money.
The Rule of 9 is particularly useful when discussing time-related concepts. For example, when expressing a specific number of minutes, one can combine the appropriate number sign (1-9) with the sign for “minute” to convey the desired duration. Similarly, for hours, days, weeks, and months, the corresponding number sign is combined with the sign for the respective unit of time. This method eliminates the need to individually sign each digit, making communication more efficient.
Furthermore, the Rule of 9 can also be applied to monetary values. By using the appropriate number sign along with the sign for “dollar,” one can express a specific amount of money without the need for multiple signs.
To illustrate the Rule of 9 in practice, here are some example sentences using the corresponding number signs:
1. “I waited for 5 minutes.” (Signing: WAIT + 5 + MINUTE)
2. “The meeting will last for 2 hours.” (Signing: MEETING + 2 + HOUR)
3. “She went on vacation for 7 days.” (Signing: VACATION + 7 + DAY)
4. “They will be away for 3 weeks.” (Signing: AWAY + 3 + WEEK)
5. “My birthday is in 9 months.” (Signing: BIRTHDAY + 9 + MONTH)
6. “The book costs 6 dollars.” (Signing: BOOK + 6 + DOLLAR)
The Rule of 9 in ASL allows for the efficient expression of numbers one to nine in relation to time and money. By combining the appropriate number sign with the corresponding concept sign, individuals can convey specific quantities in a concise and effective manner.
When Did It Start In ASL?
ASL, short for American Sign Language, has its origins in the early 19th century. It first emerged at the American School for the Deaf (ASD) in West Hartford, Connecticut. ASL came about as a result of language contact, where different signing systems used by deaf individuals from various regions came together and mixed at the school.
The American School for the Deaf, established in 1817, became a melting pot of different signing systems. This unique environment facilitated the development of a new, distinct sign language that would eventually become ASL. The students at ASD, who came from different parts of the United States, brought with them their own regional signing systems. Through interaction and exchange, these various signing systems blended and evolved into what is now recognized as ASL.
The use of ASL quickly spread beyond the walls of the American School for the Deaf. As more schools for the deaf were established across the country, ASL was taught and used as the primary means of communication. Deaf community organizations also played a significant role in promoting the use of ASL and ensuring its continued development.
Today, ASL is recognized as a full-fledged language with its own grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. It is used by a large community of deaf individuals in the United States and parts of Canada. ASL has become an integral part of Deaf culture and is celebrated as a unique and vibrant language.
To summarize, ASL originated in the early 19th century at the American School for the Deaf in West Hartford, Connecticut. It emerged from a situation of language contact, where different signing systems from various regions mixed and evolved into a distinct sign language. Since then, ASL has been widely propagated by schools for the deaf and Deaf community organizations, becoming an essential part of Deaf culture.
What Are The 7 WH Questions In ASL?
In American Sign Language (ASL), the seven WH-questions are:
1. WHO: This sign is made by pointing your index finger toward the person you are referring to. You can also use facial expressions and body language to indicate the specific person.
2. WHERE: To sign “where,” you use an open hand and extend your index finger to point in the direction of the location you are asking about. You can also use facial expressions to indicate curiosity or uncertainty.
3. WHEN: The sign for “when” is made by extending your index finger and moving it in a small circular motion in front of you. The movement represents the passing of time. You can also use facial expressions to indicate the concept of time.
4. WHAT: To sign “what,” you hold your open hand with your palm facing up and raise it slightly. Then, you move your hand in a small circular motion. This sign can also be modified to indicate specific objects or concepts.
5. WHICH: The sign for “which” is made by extending your index finger and moving it in a small circular motion in front of you. However, the movement is slightly larger and more pronounced than the sign for “when.” This sign is used to ask about choices or options.
6. WHY: To sign “why,” you use your index finger to tap your temple a couple of times. This sign represents the idea of thinking or pondering a reason. You can also use facial expressions to convey curiosity or confusion.
7. HOW: The sign for “how” is made by extending your dominant hand with your palm facing up and moving it in a small circular motion. This sign represents the idea of a process or method. You can also use facial expressions to indicate the complexity or simplicity of the task.
Remember, when signing WH-questions in ASL, the use of non-manual markers (NMM) is crucial. NMM includes facial expressions, body movements, and head tilting, which help convey the appropriate meaning and tone of the question.
What Are The 3 Types Of Sign Language?
The three main types of sign language are American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL), and Australian Sign Language (Auslan). These sign languages are used by deaf communities in their respective regions and have their own unique characteristics. Here is a breakdown of each type:
1. American Sign Language (ASL):
– Developed in the United States, ASL is the primary sign language used by the deaf community in North America.
– ASL has its own grammar, vocabulary, and syntax, which differ from spoken English.
– It uses handshapes, facial expressions, body movements, and spatial references to convey meaning.
– ASL has a large user base and is recognized as a distinct language.
2. British Sign Language (BSL):
– BSL is the primary sign language used in the United Kingdom and is the first or preferred language of many deaf people in the British Isles.
– It has its own unique grammar, vocabulary, and syntax, which differ from spoken English.
– BSL uses a combination of handshapes, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning.
– BSL is recognized as a distinct language and has regional variations within the UK.
3. Australian Sign Language (Auslan):
– Auslan is the sign language used in Australia and is the primary language of the Australian deaf community.
– It has its own grammar, vocabulary, and syntax, which differ from spoken English.
– Auslan uses a combination of handshapes, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning.
– It is recognized as a distinct language and has evolved over time, incorporating influences from BSL and ASL.
ASL, BSL, and Auslan are three distinct sign languages used by deaf communities in different parts of the world. Each language has its own unique characteristics and is recognized as a separate linguistic system.
Conclusion
In American Sign Language (ASL), the concept of “when” is expressed using the Rule of 9. The numbers 1 to 9 are incorporated into specific signs to represent different units of time such as minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and money. The Rule of 9 allows ASL users to convey the concept of “when” in a concise and efficient manner.
To express “when” in ASL, you can use the following signs:
1. Minute: Hold up your dominant hand with the palm facing you, and curl your fingers into a loose fist. Tap the inside of your wrist with your thumb twice.
2. Hour: Hold up your dominant hand with the palm facing you, and curl your fingers into a loose fist. Tap the inside of your forearm with your thumb twice.
3. Day: Hold up your dominant hand with the palm facing down, and place it on your non-dominant forearm. Slide your hand down your forearm, starting from the elbow and ending at the wrist.
4. Week: Hold up your dominant hand with the palm facing down, and place it on the back of your non-dominant hand. Move your dominant hand in a circular motion on the back of your non-dominant hand.
5. Month: Hold up your dominant hand with the palm facing down, and place it in front of your non-dominant shoulder. Move your dominant hand in a circular motion in front of your shoulder.
6. Money: Hold up your dominant hand with the palm facing down, and move it back and forth in front of your chest, as if you are counting money.
By incorporating these signs into your sentences, you can indicate specific points in time or durations. For example, to ask “When is your appointment?”, you can sign “Appointment, when?” and use appropriate facial expressions and body language to convey the question.
The Rule of 9 in ASL allows for the expression of “when” by incorporating numbers with specific concepts of time. By using these signs, ASL users can convey the timing of events, durations, and other time-related information efficiently and effectively.
