How To Sign Going In ASL: A Guide To Directional Verbs And Movement
The sign for going in American Sign Language is primarily produced by extending the index fingers of both hands, positioning them in front of the body, and moving them forward simultaneously to indicate direction or future intent. This directional verb functions as a foundation for spatial grammar, requiring precise handshape maintenance and consistent trajectory to ensure linguistic clarity for the observer.
Linguistic Foundations and Physical Requirements for ASL Motion
American Sign Language is a three-dimensional language that utilizes space to convey meaning. Unlike spoken English, where tense is often handled through conjugation, ASL utilizes movement, location, and the orientation of the hands to dictate the flow of time and space. The sign for going is a core element of the directional verb category, which involves physical displacement of the hands to represent transit or progression.
Before mastering the sign, you must understand that ASL relies on neutral space—the area directly in front of your torso and face. You do not require specialized equipment to sign, though a clear range of motion in the shoulder and elbow joints is essential.
- Essential Gear and Requirements:
- Physicality: Full range of motion in the glenohumeral (shoulder) joint and elbow joint.
- Visual Clarity: A well-lit environment where your hands do not blend into your clothing color.
- Baseline Knowledge: Proficiency in the standard ASL manual alphabet and understanding of the concept of Signing Space.
- Duration: Initial motor skill acquisition typically requires 15 to 30 minutes of focused repetition to achieve correct muscle memory.
Step-by-Step Execution of the Sign for Going
The production of the sign for going involves a specific sequence of movements that align with the spatial syntax of ASL. Follow these steps to ensure your signing remains grammatically accurate and legible.
Step 1: Handshape Configuration
Begin by extending your dominant and non-dominant index fingers while curling your thumb, middle, ring, and pinky fingers toward your palm. This shape is known as the 1-handshape. Keep your wrists relaxed and neutral; tension in the wrist can distort the sign's clarity and lead to repetitive strain if practiced extensively.
Step 2: Positioning in Neutral Space
Bring both hands in front of your chest, approximately six to eight inches apart. The index fingers should point away from your body, parallel to one another. Ensure that your elbows are slightly bent and not locked against your torso, as restrictive posture inhibits the fluidity required for directional movement.
Step 3: Executing the Forward Trajectory
Push both hands forward simultaneously from your chest area. The movement should be fluid and decisive, originating from the shoulder rather than just the wrists. The distance of the movement determines the emphasis; a short, sharp push implies immediate action, while a longer, slower glide can signify a prolonged journey or future intent.
Pro-Tip: Focus on maintaining the parallel alignment of your index fingers throughout the entire duration of the movement. If your hands diverge or cross, the meaning can shift from simple movement to specific spatial descriptions, such as racing or competing.
Step 4: Adjusting for Directional Nuance
ASL is a directional language. If you are indicating that you are going to a specific location, you must direct the movement toward that location in your signing space. If you are discussing moving from one place to another, you can initiate the movement from the left side of your body and transition it toward the right side.
Warning: Avoid excessive head movement. Beginners often tilt their heads in the direction they are signing. While facial expressions are part of ASL grammar, head tilting should be reserved for non-manual markers that indicate specific types of questions or shifts in perspective, not for the physical sign of going itself.
How to Sign the Letter S in American Sign Language
Comparative Analysis of Movement Verbs in ASL
The sign for going exists within a broader family of motion-based signs. Distinguishing these requires attention to handshape, orientation, and palm direction. The following table illustrates the technical differences between these related actions to prevent common signing errors.
| Sign | Handshape | Movement Trajectory | Primary Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Going | 1-Handshape | Forward from chest | Physical transit or future tense |
| Walking | Open Flat Hand | Up and down (alternating) | Manner of movement (on foot) |
| Driving | S-Handshape | Forward with steering motion | Manner of movement (by vehicle) |
| Arriving | Open Flat Hand | Sweep toward body | Conclusion of a journey |
| Leaving | 5-Handshape | Closing to O-shape | Departure from a space |
Troubleshooting Common Signing Errors and Field Adjustments
Effective communication in ASL requires continuous self-correction. Even experienced signers may encounter lapses in spatial syntax that lead to misunderstanding.
Root Cause: Collapsing the Handshape. The 1-handshape may inadvertently become a V-handshape or a flicking motion, causing the sign to look like a gesture rather than a verb.
- Actionable Fix: Practice in front of a mirror, ensuring your thumb is firmly pinning down the middle, ring, and pinky fingers. Tightening the thumb grip reinforces the integrity of the 1-handshape.
Root Cause: Hitting the Body. Signers often move their hands too close to the torso, leading to "body interference" where the sign is obscured by clothing or chest depth.
- Actionable Fix: Maintain a 3-inch clearance from your chest at all times. Use the "box" (the area from the top of your head to your waist) as your definitive boundary to ensure your signs remain within the visual field of the recipient.
Root Cause: Lack of Non-Manual Markers. A sign is only as effective as the facial expression accompanying it. A neutral face during the sign for going can make your statement sound robotic or grammatically incomplete.
- Actionable Fix: Incorporate appropriate brow positioning. When signing about a future action, slightly raise your eyebrows to signal that the event has not yet occurred, as this aids the recipient in processing the tense of your statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I express going to a specific place in ASL?
To indicate a specific destination, you point to the location in space after the sign for going, or you can incorporate the sign for the specific place into the movement trajectory. This utilizes the concept of spatial indexing, where you assign a physical point in the room to represent a location.
Does the speed of the sign for going change the meaning?
Yes, the velocity of the movement functions similarly to an adverb. A rapid movement conveys urgency or high speed, whereas a slow, deliberate movement indicates a leisurely or distant journey.
Is it necessary to use two hands when signing going?
While you can sign going with one hand if you are signing in a constrained space or holding an object, using both hands is standard and provides the most clarity. Using both hands reinforces the sense of purpose and helps distinguish the verb from minor hand gestures.
How do I sign going to show future tense?
ASL primarily expresses future tense through time markers, such as signs for tomorrow or later, combined with the sign for going. By setting the time context first, the directional sign for going naturally shifts to represent a future action.
Master Professional ASL Communication Strategies
Refining your signing technique requires consistent interaction with the deaf community and ongoing education through accredited ASL programs. By mastering the directional mechanics of signs like going, you enhance your ability to participate in fluid, natural, and grammatically precise conversations.
