Question
How do the signs for OLD and VERY-OLD differ?
ASL
ASL
Answers
Answer
handshape and palm orientation handshape and palm orientation handshape and movement handshape and movement movement and non-manual markers movement and non-manual markers non-manual markers and palm orientation
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
In American Sign Language (ASL), the signs for "OLD" and "VERY OLD" differ primarily in the movement and intensity of the sign.
1. **OLD**: To sign "old," you typically extend one hand into a flat shape (often with your dominant hand), and start near your chin or cheek, then move it downward and slightly away from your face.
2. **VERY OLD**: To sign "very old," you would modify the "old" sign by exaggerating the movement or adding more emphasis. One common way to do this is by using a similar handshape and movement but perhaps starting at a higher position and moving it downward more dramatically, or by using a stronger facial expression to convey the sense of "very."
The distinction usually lies in the degree of emphasis and the way the movement is carried out. As with many signs in ASL, context and facial expressions also play an important role in conveying the intended meaning.
1. **OLD**: To sign "old," you typically extend one hand into a flat shape (often with your dominant hand), and start near your chin or cheek, then move it downward and slightly away from your face.
2. **VERY OLD**: To sign "very old," you would modify the "old" sign by exaggerating the movement or adding more emphasis. One common way to do this is by using a similar handshape and movement but perhaps starting at a higher position and moving it downward more dramatically, or by using a stronger facial expression to convey the sense of "very."
The distinction usually lies in the degree of emphasis and the way the movement is carried out. As with many signs in ASL, context and facial expressions also play an important role in conveying the intended meaning.
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
In American Sign Language (ASL), various components contribute to the meaning of a sign, including handshape, palm orientation, movement, and non-manual markers (such as facial expressions). Below is an overview of how these elements work together, using the signs for "OLD" and "VERY OLD" as examples:
### 1. Handshape:
- **OLD**: The sign typically uses a flat handshape (often with fingers extended) for the dominant hand.
- **VERY OLD**: This may also use a flat handshape similar to "OLD," but can be performed with a more exaggerated or slightly different handshape to indicate intensity.
### 2. Palm Orientation:
- **OLD**: The palm usually faces down or slightly inward when signing "old."
- **VERY OLD**: The palm may remain in a similar orientation but could also be more pronounced or exaggerated depending on the intensity you want to convey.
### 3. Movement:
- **OLD**: The movement is generally a downward motion from the face to a lower position.
- **VERY OLD**: The movement may be similar but exaggerated. You could move your hand more dramatically downward or possibly in a wider arc to indicate "very old."
### 4. Non-Manual Markers:
- **OLD**: Facial expressions may be neutral or slightly serious to indicate age.
- **VERY OLD**: Facial expressions here can play a significant role. You might furrow your brow, widen your eyes, or use a more expressive tone to indicate "very" as opposed to simply "old."
### Examples Integrating Elements:
- **Example for "OLD"**:
- Handshape: Flat hand
- Palm Orientation: Facing downward
- Movement: Moving down from chin
- Non-Manual Markers: Neutral expression
- **Example for "VERY OLD"**:
- Handshape: Similar flat hand, potentially more fluid or aggressive movement
- Palm Orientation: Also downward, but with more energy in the movement
- Movement: A more pronounced downward movement or a dramatic drop
- Non-Manual Markers: Furrowed brow, a more intense expression to convey the "very"
By considering each of these elements, you can effectively differentiate between "OLD" and "VERY OLD" in ASL. Adjusting these components can significantly change the meaning of your signs.
### 1. Handshape:
- **OLD**: The sign typically uses a flat handshape (often with fingers extended) for the dominant hand.
- **VERY OLD**: This may also use a flat handshape similar to "OLD," but can be performed with a more exaggerated or slightly different handshape to indicate intensity.
### 2. Palm Orientation:
- **OLD**: The palm usually faces down or slightly inward when signing "old."
- **VERY OLD**: The palm may remain in a similar orientation but could also be more pronounced or exaggerated depending on the intensity you want to convey.
### 3. Movement:
- **OLD**: The movement is generally a downward motion from the face to a lower position.
- **VERY OLD**: The movement may be similar but exaggerated. You could move your hand more dramatically downward or possibly in a wider arc to indicate "very old."
### 4. Non-Manual Markers:
- **OLD**: Facial expressions may be neutral or slightly serious to indicate age.
- **VERY OLD**: Facial expressions here can play a significant role. You might furrow your brow, widen your eyes, or use a more expressive tone to indicate "very" as opposed to simply "old."
### Examples Integrating Elements:
- **Example for "OLD"**:
- Handshape: Flat hand
- Palm Orientation: Facing downward
- Movement: Moving down from chin
- Non-Manual Markers: Neutral expression
- **Example for "VERY OLD"**:
- Handshape: Similar flat hand, potentially more fluid or aggressive movement
- Palm Orientation: Also downward, but with more energy in the movement
- Movement: A more pronounced downward movement or a dramatic drop
- Non-Manual Markers: Furrowed brow, a more intense expression to convey the "very"
By considering each of these elements, you can effectively differentiate between "OLD" and "VERY OLD" in ASL. Adjusting these components can significantly change the meaning of your signs.