How to Sign Running in ASL: A Comprehensive Guide and Beyond

American Sign Language (ASL) is a rich and expressive language that allows individuals to communicate through hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements. One of the many actions that can be conveyed in ASL is “running.” Whether you’re learning ASL for personal enrichment, to communicate with a Deaf friend or family member, or simply out of curiosity, understanding how to sign “running” can be a valuable addition to your vocabulary. In this article, we’ll explore the intricacies of signing “running” in ASL, delve into related concepts, and discuss how this simple sign can open up a world of communication possibilities.
The Basics of Signing “Running” in ASL
To sign “running” in ASL, you use both hands to mimic the motion of running. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
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Handshape: Start with both hands in a “flat hand” shape, where your fingers are extended and close together, and your thumb is relaxed against the side of your hand.
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Movement: Place your dominant hand slightly in front of your non-dominant hand, as if they are representing your legs. Move both hands forward in an alternating motion, mimicking the movement of running. The hands should move in a smooth, flowing motion, with one hand moving forward while the other moves back.
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Facial Expression: Facial expressions are crucial in ASL to convey the intensity or context of the action. For “running,” you might use a determined or excited facial expression to indicate the speed or purpose of the run.
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Body Movement: Your body can also play a role in signing “running.” You might lean slightly forward or move your body in a way that suggests forward motion, enhancing the overall meaning of the sign.
Variations and Contextual Uses
The sign for “running” can be modified depending on the context. For example:
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Running Fast: To indicate that someone is running quickly, you can increase the speed of the hand movements and use a more intense facial expression.
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Running Slowly: Conversely, if someone is running slowly, you can slow down the hand movements and use a more relaxed facial expression.
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Running in Place: If you want to convey that someone is running in place (like on a treadmill), you can modify the sign by keeping the hands closer to the body and moving them in a more stationary manner.
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Running Away: To indicate that someone is running away from something, you might add a directional component to the sign, moving your hands away from your body or in the direction of the escape.
The Importance of Non-Manual Markers
In ASL, non-manual markers (NMMs) such as facial expressions, head movements, and body language are essential for conveying meaning. When signing “running,” your facial expression can indicate whether the run is joyful, urgent, or exhausting. For example:
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Joyful Running: A big smile and raised eyebrows can indicate that the running is a happy or playful activity.
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Urgent Running: A furrowed brow and tense facial expression can suggest that the running is urgent or serious.
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Exhausted Running: A tired or pained expression can convey that the running is tiring or difficult.
Incorporating “Running” into Sentences
Once you’ve mastered the basic sign for “running,” you can incorporate it into more complex sentences. Here are a few examples:
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“I love running in the park.”: Sign “I” (point to yourself), “LOVE” (cross your arms over your chest), “RUN” (use the running sign), “PARK” (sign “PARK” by forming a “P” handshape and moving it in a circular motion).
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“She is running late.”: Sign “SHE” (point to the person), “RUN” (use the running sign), “LATE” (sign “LATE” by tapping your wrist as if checking the time).
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“We ran five miles yesterday.”: Sign “WE” (point to yourself and others), “RUN” (use the running sign), “FIVE” (hold up five fingers), “MILES” (sign “MILES” by forming an “M” handshape and moving it forward), “YESTERDAY” (sign “YESTERDAY” by pointing backward over your shoulder).
The Cultural Significance of Running in ASL
Running is a universal activity that transcends language barriers. In Deaf culture, sports and physical activities like running are often celebrated as a way to build community and foster connections. Many Deaf athletes participate in running events, marathons, and other sports, using ASL to communicate with teammates, coaches, and spectators. Understanding how to sign “running” can help you engage with the Deaf community in meaningful ways, whether you’re cheering on a runner or discussing your own fitness goals.
Beyond Running: Exploring Related Signs
Once you’ve learned how to sign “running,” you might be interested in exploring related signs. Here are a few to consider:
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Walking: To sign “walking,” use a similar handshape as “running,” but move your hands in a slower, more deliberate motion.
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Jogging: “Jogging” is similar to “running,” but the hand movements are slower and less intense.
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Sprinting: To sign “sprinting,” increase the speed and intensity of the hand movements, and use a more determined facial expression.
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Marathon: Sign “MARATHON” by forming an “M” handshape and moving it in a circular motion, then sign “RUN” to indicate the activity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When learning how to sign “running,” it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can alter the meaning of the sign. Here are a few tips:
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Incorrect Handshape: Make sure your hands are in the correct “flat hand” shape. Using a different handshape can change the meaning of the sign.
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Lack of Facial Expression: Remember that facial expressions are a crucial part of ASL. Without the appropriate facial expression, the sign for “running” may not convey the intended emotion or intensity.
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Overemphasis on Body Movement: While body movement can enhance the sign, overdoing it can make the sign unclear. Keep your body movements subtle and in sync with your hand movements.
Practicing and Perfecting Your Sign
Like any language, mastering ASL takes practice. Here are a few tips for practicing the sign for “running”:
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Mirror Practice: Stand in front of a mirror and practice the sign for “running.” Pay attention to your handshape, movement, and facial expression.
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Video Resources: Watch videos of Deaf individuals signing “running” to see how it’s done in different contexts. This can help you understand the nuances of the sign.
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Practice with a Partner: If possible, practice signing “running” with a Deaf friend or ASL tutor. They can provide feedback and help you improve your technique.
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Incorporate into Daily Life: Try incorporating the sign for “running” into your daily conversations. For example, if you’re discussing your workout routine, use the sign to describe your running activities.
Related Q&A
Q: Can the sign for “running” be used to describe other types of movement, like a car running?
A: No, the sign for “running” in ASL specifically refers to the act of a person or animal running. To describe a car running, you would use a different sign, such as “DRIVE” or “OPERATE.”
Q: How do you sign “running” in past tense?
A: To sign “ran” (past tense of “run”), you can use the same handshape and movement as “running,” but you might add a slight backward motion or use a facial expression that indicates the action has already happened.
Q: Is there a different sign for “running” in different contexts, like running a business?
A: Yes, the sign for “running” a business or organization is different from the sign for physical running. To sign “running” in the context of managing a business, you might use the sign for “MANAGE” or “OPERATE.”
Q: Can the sign for “running” be modified to indicate running in a specific direction?
A: Yes, you can modify the sign for “running” to indicate direction by moving your hands in the direction you want to convey. For example, if someone is running to the left, you can move your hands to the left while signing.
Q: How do you sign “running” in a sentence with multiple verbs?
A: When signing a sentence with multiple verbs, you typically sign each verb in sequence. For example, to sign “I ran and then walked,” you would sign “I,” “RUN,” “THEN,” “WALK.” The order of the signs follows the order of the actions in the sentence.