Learn How to Sign ‘Travel’ in ASL: Your Ultimate Guide

Learning to discuss travel in asl opens up a new world of conversation. It allows you to share your adventures and learn about others’ journeys. Consequently, understanding this sign is a fundamental step for any ASL student interested in exploring the world.

This guide will show you exactly how to sign ‘travel.’ In addition, we will cover related signs and useful phrases. So, let’s begin your journey into travel-related signing.

How to Sign ‘Travel’ in ASL: A Step-by-Step Guide

The sign for ‘travel’ is iconic and relatively easy to learn. It visually represents the act of moving from place to place. Follow these simple steps to form the sign correctly.

Handshape

First, form a ‘bent V’ handshape with your dominant hand. To do this, make a V sign (like the peace sign), then bend your index and middle fingers at the knuckles. Your thumb can rest gently against your other fingers.

Movement

Next, start with your hand near your body. Then, move your hand forward and away from you in a series of curves or arcs. Imagine you are tracing a winding road or a flight path on a map. The movement should be smooth and continuous.

Palm Orientation

Throughout the sign, your palm should be facing downwards, towards the floor. This orientation is crucial for clarity. Therefore, make sure to keep your wrist steady while your arm makes the movement.

Essential Travel-Related Vocabulary in ASL

Of course, talking about travel involves more than just one word. Building your vocabulary is key. For example, here are some essential signs that will enrich your travel stories.

• VACATION / HOLIDAY: With open hands, tap your thumbs on your chest near your shoulders a few times.
• PLANE: Form the ‘I love you’ handshape (thumb, index finger, and pinky finger extended). Then, move it forward and slightly upwards, as if a plane is taking off.
• CAR: Pretend you are holding and moving a steering wheel with both hands.
• HOTEL: Form an ‘H’ handshape with your dominant hand. Your non-dominant hand should be held up with the palm facing sideways. Tap the ‘H’ handshape on your non-dominant hand’s index finger, then move it up and tap it again.
• COUNTRY: With your non-dominant arm across your chest, rub your dominant hand (in a ‘Y’ handshape) in a circle on your forearm.
• CITY: With both hands, form triangles by touching your fingertips together. Tap them together a few times, alternating sides.

Putting It All Together: Example Sentences

Now, let’s practice using these signs in sentences. Remember that ASL grammar often follows a Topic-Comment structure. This is different from English word order.

• English: I love to travel.
  ASL: I LOVE TRAVEL.
• English: Where did you travel?
  ASL: YOU TRAVEL WHERE? (Remember to use inquisitive facial expressions).
• English: Next year, I want to travel to Spain.
  ASL: NEXT YEAR, I WANT TRAVEL SPAIN.

Tips for Discussing Travel in the Deaf Community

When you discuss travel in ASL, being descriptive is very important. The Deaf community values visual storytelling. Therefore, don’t just say you went to a place; describe what you saw and did.

Use classifiers to show the shape, size, and location of things. For example, you can use a flat hand to show a plane landing. Also, use your facial expressions to convey excitement, surprise, or disappointment about your trip. This adds emotion and depth to your story.

In conclusion, learning to sign about travel is a rewarding skill. It helps you connect with others on a deeper level. Keep practicing these signs, and soon you’ll be sharing your amazing travel stories with confidence.