"soon" American Sign Language (ASL)

American Sign Language: "soon" SOON (variation 1) This version also means: SHORT-duration / SHORT-distance or length Place the index and middle finger of the "H" hand (your dominant hand) on top of the index and middle fingers of the non-dominant "H" hand. Slide the top "H" hand forward along the index finger of the bottom hand toward the tip of the index finger, then slide the top hand back toward the large knuckle of the bottom hand's index finger. Repeat the movement twice. The non-dominant hand doesn't move. SOON / "short time" / "short duration" / "shortly" Note: This sign can be modified to mean "BRIEF." To do so, use a single, large, quick forward movement of the dominant hand. In the sign "BRIEF" the dominant hand starts above and behind the base hand, strikes a downward/forward blow, comes off of the base hand and moves forward. SOON (variation) Use an "F" hand and a double movement. Tap your chin twice. Note: If you use a single, strong, motion and puff out the cheeks a bit this sign can mean "EXPERT." Note: Some people tap the nose twice (instead of the chin). Note: Some people use somewhat of a downward glancing movement when doing this sign. This is a lesser used version of "soon." It is a "different" (weird?) way of signing "soon." It is a sort of "lexicalized sign" in that it uses a modified "S," that transitions into a modified "o" and ends as an "n" handshape. I've also seen it done with a double motion. SOON (variation) (not recommended) NOTES: In a message dated 3/23/2007 5:32:44 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, SSQUYRES@ writes: Bill, You asked for regional variations of signs. I don't know if the following is regional (Bay Area) or new. A Deaf man recently showed me a different sign for "Soon." He said the first version shown on the website is now an "old" sign. He uses the second version, "F" handshape touching chin twice. He also uses a variation with the same handshape touching the nose instead of the chin. Best Regards, - Sharon Sharon, That "nose" variation seems to be quite popular in the Northern California region. I don't think the "SOON/SHORT" version (that uses "H" hands) is "old" nationwide. I think that it is just not the main version used in certain areas. The "SOON/SHORT" version however is important to know because it has so many other important variations such as "brief" (that uses a very quick, single movement). Whereas the "SOON"-(on the nose) version is pretty much limited to "will happen in the near future." Thanks for the feedback. - Dr. Bill Want to help support ASL University? It's easy: DONATE (Thanks!) (You don't need a PayPal account. Just look for the credit card logos and click continue.) Another way to help is to buy Dr. Bill's "Superdisk." Dr. Bill's new iPhone "Fingerspelling Practice" app is now available! CHECK IT OUT > Want even more ASL resources? Visit the "ASL Training Center!" (Subscription Extension of ASLU) CHECK IT OUT > Bandwidth slow? Check out "ASLUniversity.com" (a free mirror of Lifeprint.com less traffic, fast access) VISIT > You can learn sign language online at American Sign Language (ASL) University ™ Sign language lessons and resources. Dr. William Vicars © Lifeprint.com

American Sign Language: "soon"

SOON (variation 1)
This version also means: SHORT-duration / SHORT-distance or length
Place the index and middle finger of the "H" hand (your dominant hand) on top of the index and middle fingers of the non-dominant "H" hand. Slide the top "H" hand forward along the index finger of the bottom hand toward the tip of the index finger, then slide the top hand back toward the large knuckle of the bottom hand's index finger. Repeat the movement twice. The non-dominant hand doesn't move.

SOON / "short time" / "short duration" / "shortly"

Note: This sign can be modified to mean "BRIEF." To do so, use a single, large, quick forward movement of the dominant hand. In the sign "BRIEF" the dominant hand starts above and behind the base hand, strikes a downward/forward blow, comes off of the base hand and moves forward.

SOON (variation)
Use an "F" hand and a double movement. Tap your chin twice.
Note: If you use a single, strong, motion and puff out the cheeks a bit this sign can mean "EXPERT."
Note: Some people tap the nose twice (instead of the chin).
Note: Some people use somewhat of a downward glancing movement when doing this sign.

This is a lesser used version of "soon."
It is a "different" (weird?) way of signing "soon." It is a sort of "lexicalized sign" in that it uses a modified "S," that transitions into a modified "o" and ends as an "n" handshape. I've also seen it done with a double motion.

SOON (variation) (not recommended)

NOTES:
In a message dated 3/23/2007 5:32:44 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, SSQUYRES@ writes:

Bill,
You asked for regional variations of signs. I don't know if the following is regional (Bay Area) or new. A Deaf man recently showed me a different sign for "Soon." He said the first version shown on the website is now an "old" sign. He uses the second version, "F" handshape touching chin twice. He also uses a variation with the same handshape touching the nose instead of the chin.

Best Regards,

- Sharon

Sharon,
That "nose" variation seems to be quite popular in the Northern California region.
I don't think the "SOON/SHORT" version (that uses "H" hands) is "old" nationwide. I think that it is just not the main version used in certain areas. The "SOON/SHORT" version however is important to know because it has so many other important variations such as "brief" (that uses a very quick, single movement). Whereas the "SOON"-(on the nose) version is pretty much limited to "will happen in the near future."
Thanks for the feedback.

- Dr. Bill

Want to help support ASL University? It's easy: DONATE (Thanks!)
(You don't need a PayPal account. Just look for the credit card logos and click continue.)

Another way to help is to buy Dr. Bill's "Superdisk."

Dr. Bill's new iPhone "Fingerspelling Practice" app is now available! CHECK IT OUT >

Want even more ASL resources? Visit the "ASL Training Center!" (Subscription Extension of ASLU) CHECK IT OUT >

Bandwidth slow? Check out "ASLUniversity.com" (a free mirror of Lifeprint.com less traffic, fast access) VISIT >

You can learn sign language online at American Sign Language (ASL) University ™
Sign language lessons and resources. Dr. William Vicars © Lifeprint.com