Have you ever wondered how to communicate about your exciting travel plans using American Sign Language (ASL)? Learning basic travel signs can be incredibly helpful, whether you’re discussing your next adventure with a deaf friend or simply want to expand your signing vocabulary.
Signing “Travel” in ASL
Let’s start with the basics. The sign for “travel” is a fun one!
- Make both hands into loose fists.
- Keeping your elbows bent, hold both hands in front of you with your palms facing each other.
- Move your dominant hand forward and slightly upward, as if tracing an arc through the air, then bring it back to the starting position.
ASL sign for travel
Essential Travel Signs You Should Know
Beyond the basic sign for “travel”, knowing a few more essential travel-related signs can significantly enhance your communication:
Transportation
- Airplane: Extend your dominant arm to the side and use your thumb and pinky finger to represent an airplane wing, then move your arm horizontally to mimic flying.
- Car: Make fists with both hands and hold them in front of you with your palms facing each other, then move your hands forward and back in a driving motion.
- Train: Form the letter “U” with your dominant hand and place your non-dominant hand horizontally in front of you, then move your dominant hand along the length of your non-dominant hand as if it’s a train moving along a track.
Accommodation
- Hotel: Form the letter “H” with your dominant hand and tap it twice on your non-dominant hand, which should be held flat with your palm facing upward.
- Camp: Form the letter “A” with both hands and bring them together, then touch your fingertips together twice.
Destinations
- Beach: Use your dominant hand to make a wavy motion, as if you’re outlining waves on a beach.
- Mountains: Extend your fingers and press them together, then hold your hands in front of you with your palms facing each other and slightly curve your fingers to mimic mountain peaks.
ASL sign for mountain
Planning Your Trip in ASL
Now that you know some basic travel signs, let’s imagine you’re planning a trip to the Grand Canyon National Park. Here’s how you might discuss your plans in ASL:
- Destination: Sign “travel” then sign “mountain” and point to a map or picture of the Grand Canyon.
- Transportation: Sign “airplane” or “car” depending on your mode of transportation.
- Accommodation: Sign “hotel” or “camp” depending on your lodging choice.
Tips for Communicating About Travel in ASL
- Use Facial Expressions and Body Language: Like spoken languages, ASL relies heavily on facial expressions and body language to convey emotions and context.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Clarification: If you don’t understand a sign, don’t hesitate to ask the person to repeat or clarify.
- Practice Makes Perfect: The more you practice signing, the more fluent and confident you’ll become.
Learning how to sign travel-related words and phrases in ASL can enrich your travel experiences and open up new avenues for communication. So, what are you waiting for? Start practicing these signs and embark on your next adventure equipped with the power of sign language.
For more information on language learning and travel tips, be sure to visit travelcar.edu.vn.
Map with pushpins and travel accessories
