American Sign Language (Asl) | Guide

American Sign Language is a visual language, it uses manual communication and body language to communicate, and it is the primary language of many deaf communities in the United States and most of Anglophone Canada. Fingerspelling in ASL is representing the letters of the English alphabet with specific handshapes, is often used to sign proper nouns, technical terms, and words that do not have a sign in ASL. Sign Language Interpreters are professionals who facilitate communication between deaf and hearing individuals by conveying messages accurately and impartially. Signing Exact English is a sign system that uses signs to represent English words in the exact order they appear in a sentence.

Diving Deep into the Signed World of “LAND”: It’s More Than Just Dirt!

Ever thought about how many different ways we use the word “land?” We’re talking about the ground beneath our feet, the act of arriving somewhere, and even the ultimate destination of a journey! Well, guess what? Sign language is just as cool and complex, especially when it comes to the sign for “LAND.”

Think of it this way: Just knowing the basic sign for “LAND” is like knowing how to say “hello” in a foreign language – it’s a start, but you’re missing out on so much more. To really nail your signing and avoid some seriously awkward moments, you gotta get familiar with all the signs that are related to “LAND.”

But here’s the real kicker: understanding the sign itself is only half the battle. You also need to grasp the power of “Context” and “Emphasis.” Imagine signing “LAND” with a huge smile versus signing it with furrowed brows and tense shoulders. Totally different messages, right? In the following sections, we’ll dive deep into how these elements shape the true meaning of “LAND” in sign language. Get ready to “dig in!”

The Core Sign: LAND (Earth/Ground)

Alright, let’s get down to earth, shall we? (Pun intended, of course!) We’re diving deep into the bedrock sign for “LAND” – you know, the stuff we walk on, build on, and occasionally trip over. This isn’t about airplanes touching down just yet; this is about good ol’ terra firma, the ground beneath our feet!

So, how do we sign “LAND” when we’re talking about the actual ground? Well, imagine you’re a sculptor, and you’re about to mold the earth with your own two hands. Here’s the breakdown:

• Handshape: Both hands are formed into a flat “B” handshape. Think of it like you’re holding two trays ready to serve up some… well, dirt!
• Movement: Here’s where it gets interesting… or rather, doesn’t. There isn’t any movement! Your dominant hand is positioned above your non-dominant hand. The palm of your dominant hand faces downward and slightly touches the back of your non-dominant hand. Think of it like your dominant hand representing the land and the non-dominant hand serving as the ground it sits upon.
• Palm Orientation: The palm of your dominant hand should be facing down, as if you are patting the ground. The palm of your non-dominant hand usually faces upwards or inwards.

Watch Out for Those Landmines (of Mistakes!)

Now, it’s easy to get tripped up (another land pun!) when learning this sign. Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid:

• Moving the Hands: Remember, the sign for “LAND” (earth) is generally static. Avoid any wiggling, shaking, or bouncing. Save that energy for the “ARRIVE” sign later!
• Incorrect Handshape: Make sure those hands are flat! If they’re curved or clawed, you might accidentally be signing something else entirely.

Seeing is Believing

To truly master this sign, visual aids are your best friend. Get your peepers ready for some visual goodness! Take a look at some GIFs or images of the sign being performed correctly. Notice the stillness, the flatness of the hands, and the general aura of grounded-ness. That’s what you’re aiming for!

With a little practice, you’ll be signing “LAND” like a seasoned pro! Now get out there and… well, touch some grass! (Figuratively, of course, unless you really want to).

Landing as Arrival: The Sign for ARRIVE

Okay, so let’s talk about “ARRIVE,” another way to think about “LAND,” especially when we’re talking about finally getting somewhere! Imagine that feeling of, “Yes! We made it!” That’s what “ARRIVE” is all about in the signed world.

Now, how do we show this “ARRIVE” thing? The sign itself is like this: your hands start out away from you, palms facing each other, and then they move towards you in a smooth motion, almost like they’re… well, landing! It’s a very visual sign. Think of it as your hands touching down in your personal space. It’s not just about any old landing, though. “ARRIVE” is about reaching that sweet, sweet destination. That place you’ve been working your way toward!

So, how does “ARRIVE” connect to “LAND?” Well, in many cases, when something lands, it’s arriving somewhere, right? A plane lands at the airport; it arrives at its destination. See how those ideas go hand in hand? In sign language, we can use “ARRIVE” to express that sense of completion and reaching a location. It’s more about the successful outcome than just the physical act of landing.

Let’s throw out some examples so you can start playing around with it:

• “PLANE ARRIVE AIRPORT” (The plane arrived at the airport).
• “WE ARRIVE HOME SAFE” (We arrived home safely… whew!).
• “FINALLY ARRIVE DESTINATION” (We finally arrived at our destination!).

You will notice that with each sign, there is meaning that is intended. So it’s important to take note of your Context!

See how using “ARRIVE” in these sentences gives you that feeling of accomplishment? That’s the magic of sign language! It’s not just about the individual signs; it’s about how they work together to paint a picture.

The Visual Impact: TOUCH-DOWN

Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we’re about to delve into the world of “TOUCH-DOWN“! This sign isn’t just about planes kissing the tarmac; it’s about that visual “thud” – that moment of contact. Think of it as the sign language equivalent of a perfectly executed mic drop, but, you know, less dramatic and more grounded (pun intended!).

Now, let’s break down the sign itself. Imagine you’re a miniature airplane about to, well, touch down. Your dominant hand, in a flat “B” handshape (fingers together, thumb tucked in), swoops down and makes contact with your non-dominant hand, which is also in a flat “B” shape, representing the ground. It’s a simple sign, but oh-so-visual!

But here’s where the fun begins! The emphasis you put on this sign can completely change the meaning. A gentle, almost hesitant, touch-down could describe a butterfly landing on a flower. A forceful, almost violent, slam could illustrate a bumpy landing during a storm. See? It’s all in the finesse!

When is “TOUCH-DOWN” your go-to sign? Picture this: You’re describing a bird alighting on a branch. Or maybe you’re narrating the nail-biting moment when a spacecraft gently settles on the moon. Or, yes, even when you’re talking about a Boeing 747 finally kissing the runway after a long flight. In all these scenarios, “TOUCH-DOWN” is your MVP! So, go ahead, give it a try! Remember, it’s all about visualizing that moment of contact, and letting your emphasis do the talking.

Specifying the Mode: PLANE/AIRPLANE and LAND

Okay, so you want to talk about flying first, then landing, right? We need to make sure everyone knows what kind of landing we’re talking about. Are we talking about a bird, a spaceship, or maybe…a plane? Let’s nail down how to specifically say “PLANE/AIRPLANE” is landing using sign language.

The sign for “PLANE/AIRPLANE” is pretty cool because it mimics what we see. You basically make a “Y” handshape (thumb and pinky extended, other fingers folded) and move it forward like a plane taking off. Think about how a plane kind of wobbles a little as it heads down the runway – you can even add a little of that wobble to make it more realistic! Some variations also incorporate a slight tilt to represent banking turns. The palm orientation can vary slightly but generally faces forward or slightly upward.

Now, here’s the magic! To show a plane landing, you would first sign “PLANE/AIRPLANE” and then immediately follow it with the “LAND” sign (the core sign we discussed before). This combination eliminates any ambiguity. It’s like saying, “Hey, that thing that flies? Yeah, it’s touching down now.” You are clearly specifying the mode of transportation and the action.

Let’s see it in action, literally! Imagine you’re at the airport and see a plane touching down. You could sign: “PLANE/AIRPLANE LAND AIRPORT” This translates to, “The plane is landing at the airport.” Or, if you want to add a bit of description: “PLANE/AIRPLANE LAND SMOOTH” to express “The plane had a smooth landing”. Remember, this combination leaves no room for guessing! You’re the master of the skies, conveying exactly what you mean when you say a plane has landed.

Navigating the Concrete Jungle: All About the Sign for “AIRPORT”

Alright, let’s taxi down the runway and talk about “AIRPORT!” Of course, you can’t really land without knowing where you’re going, right?

So, what exactly is an airport? It’s not just a place where planes magically appear; it’s a bustling hub of activity, a portal to other destinations, and, most importantly, the place where our aerial adventures begin and end. It’s that concrete jungle where dreams take flight (and sometimes, luggage gets lost!).

Now, how do we show this with our hands? The sign for “AIRPORT” is like a mini-movie playing out right in front of you! It usually involves fingerspelling the letter “A” with both hands, and swirling around in front of your body, the action also simulates airplanes surrounding the center of all of them. Think of it as tracing the paths of airplanes circling and preparing for landing! Keep in mind, that it might be slightly different based on regional dialects or preferences.

But the real fun begins when you start combining “AIRPORT” with other signs we’ve discussed. You can use “AIRPORT” with “ARRIVE” and “SAFE” to paint a complete picture. “We ARRIVE AIRPORT, SAFE!” See? You’re already fluent! That means the destination point is the “AIRPORT” and the most important of all is SAFE and sound.

Ensuring Safety: The Significance of SAFE

Okay, so you’ve got your plane (or maybe it’s a bird, who knows?) doing its thing, coming in for a landing. But let’s be honest, the only thing that really matters is: did it land SAFE? I mean, we’re not just talking about reaching a destination; we’re talking about reaching it in one piece.

Let’s break down how to sign “SAFE” and why it’s so crucial in landing scenarios. Imagine describing a nail-biting landing, maybe during a storm. You’ve signed “PLANE” and “LAND,” but something’s missing. That’s where “SAFE” swoops in to save the day, because it adds the crucial element that everything went smoothly. It’s like the cherry on top of a successful landing sundae!

Incorporating the sign for “SAFE” into your description is like giving everyone a collective sigh of relief. It tells the story of a successful landing, reassuring your audience that no one was hurt and no damage occurred. You’re not just describing an event; you’re conveying a sense of security and peace of mind.

Here are a few examples of how you can use “SAFE” to emphasize the positive outcome of a landing:

• “PLANE LAND SAFE!” – Simple, direct, and to the point.
• “BIRD TOUCH-DOWN GROUND SAFE” – You know a bird landed safety
• “LANDING FINISH SAFE, NO PROBLEM!” – All good in the hood!

Using “SAFE” in these phrases adds a layer of completeness to your signing, reassuring everyone that the landing was a success. It’s the difference between saying “The plane landed” and saying “The plane landed SAFE, thank goodness!” You can almost feel the collective sigh of relief, right?

So, remember, when you’re signing about landing, don’t forget the “SAFE” sign. It’s not just a detail; it’s the key to conveying a successful and uneventful landing, and that’s what everyone wants to hear (or see!) at the end of the day.

Arriving in Style: Why Destination Matters

Okay, so you’ve successfully navigated the signs for LAND, ARRIVE, and even PLANE/AIRPLANE. You’re practically a signing pilot! But what’s the point of all that flying and landing if you don’t have a place to land? That’s where the sign for DESTINATION comes soaring in to save the day. Think of it as the final flourish, the cherry on top of your signing sundae, the… well, you get the idea. It’s important!

But seriously, DESTINATION is more than just a sign; it’s the goal, the purpose, the reason you even bothered to learn all these other signs in the first place. Landing, in its essence, implies reaching a specific goal or location. You’re not just aimlessly floating; you’re heading somewhere!

Signing Success: How DESTINATION Completes the Picture

Imagine describing a cross-country road trip in ASL. You’ve shown the signs for CAR, TRAVEL, and maybe even a dramatic TIRE BLOWOUT (because let’s be real, it happens). But without DESTINATION, it’s like a movie without an ending. Showing the sign for DESTINATION is like shouting, “Ta-da! We made it!” It brings closure, clarity, and a sense of accomplishment to your story.

The sign for DESTINATION enhances the description of a successful landing (or arrival, in a broader sense) by highlighting the completion of a journey.

Destination in Action: Sentences That Soar

Let’s put this into practice. Here are a few examples of how you can use DESTINATION to add extra oomph to your signing:

• “We finally reached our DESTINATION.” (Like the outline says)
• “Our DESTINATION is the beach!” (Ah, sand and sun.)
• “The DESTINATION was a surprise party!” (Cue gasps and confetti.)
• “What is your DESTINATION?”(Asking someone of their final stop)

See how DESTINATION adds depth and context? It turns a simple statement into a complete story. So, the next time you’re signing about landing, don’t forget the DESTINATION. It’s the key to a truly satisfying and well-rounded signing experience.

Context is King: How Scenarios Shape Sign Choices

Okay, imagine you’re at a silent movie theater (because, you know, sign language!), and the screen shows a plane. Now, think about all the different reasons that plane might be on that screen. Is it a joyful arrival for a family reunion? Or is it a nail-biting emergency landing? The sign you’d use to describe the “LAND” part of that story changes big time depending on what’s happening!

That’s where context comes in, my friends. In sign language, it’s not just about knowing the basic signs; it’s about knowing which sign to use when, and that depends entirely on the situation. The sign for “LAND” isn’t a one-size-fits-all kinda deal. It’s more like a toolbox full of options, and you need to pick the right tool for the job.

Different Landings, Different Signs

Let’s break down some scenarios:

• Emergency Landing: If a plane’s having a rough time, you might use a sign that conveys urgency and maybe even danger. Think of a forceful, sharp movement to show the plane hitting the ground unexpectedly. Facial expressions are key here— furrowed brows and a concerned look tell a big part of the story.

• Scheduled Arrival: Ah, a smooth, planned landing. In this case, the sign for “ARRIVE” might be perfect, emphasizing the successful completion of the journey. You could add a little flourish to show everything went according to plan.

• Metaphorical “Landing”: Sometimes, “LAND” isn’t about planes at all! Maybe you’re talking about a project “landing” successfully, or someone finally “landing” their dream job. Here, you’d use a sign that conveys the idea of achieving a goal or reaching a desired outcome. It will depend on the context of “project complete” or “employment” when relating it to the concept of LAND for an outcome.

So, as you can see, understanding the situation surrounding the landing is crucial. Pay attention to the details, consider the emotions involved, and choose your signs accordingly. It’s all about telling the story in the clearest, most accurate way possible. It’s always important to ensure clear and accurate communication when communicating.

Adding Feeling: The Power of EMPHASIS

Okay, so you know how we’ve been breaking down all the different signs related to “LAND“? Well, here’s the secret sauce that takes your signing from blah to BAM!: Emphasis. Think of it like this: you can say “I’m fine” when you are happy, sad, angry and neutral, but emphasis or how you say it is what tells the other person how you are really feeling. It’s not just about the handshapes; it’s about your face, your body, and the vibes you’re putting out there.

• • Facial Expressions and Body Language: Imagine watching a silent movie. How do you know what’s going on? The actors use exaggerated expressions and movements! It’s the same in sign language. Did you know that raising your eyebrows can turn a simple question into a super serious one? Similarly, slight head movement also changes the interpretation. When you’re signing about a plane landing smoothly, a relaxed face and gentle movements tell one story. But if you’re talking about an emergency landing? Widened eyes, a slightly tensed body, and maybe even a quick, sharp movement with your hands paints a completely different picture. It’s like you’re showing, not just telling, the story.
• • Non-Manual Markers: Your Emotional Toolkit: These are all the things you do that aren’t your hands. Things like eye gaze, mouth morphemes (shapes your mouth makes), shoulder shifts, and head tilts. Think of them as your emotional toolkit. Want to show relief that a plane landed safely? A relaxed sigh, a gentle smile, and maybe even a slight drop of the shoulders can work wonders. Describing a bumpy, scary landing? Furrow your brow, tighten your lips, and maybe even lean forward a bit to convey that tension. These markers aren’t optional; they’re essential for adding depth and clarity to your signing.
• • Changing the Interpretation of “LAND”: Let’s get practical. Imagine you’re signing about a bird landing. A light, graceful hand movement with a soft smile conveys a gentle touch-down. But if you’re talking about a superhero landing with a thud? You’d use a much stronger, more forceful movement, maybe even stomp your foot to emphasize the impact. The sign itself might be similar, but the way you execute it, the emphasis you place on it, completely changes the meaning. Another example is if a person says something in a rude or brash manner, even if they said the proper language or terms you would want to use emphasis to portray the opposite. Another is if someone is being sarcastic and you would like to show that.

  It’s all about context and feeling. So, next time you’re practicing your signs, don’t just focus on getting the handshapes right. Pay attention to your face, your body, and the emotions you’re conveying. That’s what will make your signing truly come alive. This also is one of the best reasons to interact with more seasoned ASL signers!

So, there you have it! “Landed” in ASL is all about that graceful descent and solid arrival. Now you’re equipped to sign about everything from birds touching down to your dream job finally becoming a reality. Happy signing!