How to Sign "Occasion"
To sign *occasion*, start by bringing both hands in front of your chest and forming "open 8" handshapes. This means your middle fingers are bent inward toward your body, while your index, ring, and pinky fingers remain extended and spread apart. With your palms facing your chest, move your hands in alternating upward circles. As your hands move upward, your bent middle fingers should lightly brush against your chest. This sign is identical to the sign for *excited*, visually conveying the thrill of a special event.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is deeply rooted in how ASL visually represents emotions and internal states. The "open 8" handshape (with the middle finger bent) is the classic ASL classifier for feelings, used in signs like *feel*, *pity*, and *thrill*. The alternating upward circular motion visually depicts emotions bubbling up from inside the chest. By using this sign for *occasion*, the language conceptually links a special event with the internal excitement, anticipation, and positive energy that typically accompany a celebration or milestone.
Signing Tips
To sign *occasion* clearly, focus on the "open 8" handshape by keeping your middle fingers bent while the other fingers are fully extended and spread apart. As you make the alternating upward circles, allow your middle fingers to lightly brush against your chest. Keep your movements fluid and energetic to match the positive, upbeat nature of a special event. Your facial expressions should also reflect the mood—if it is a happy occasion, make sure to smile and show enthusiasm on your face!
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is using flat "5" handshapes, forgetting to bend their middle fingers inward to form the correct "open 8" handshape. Another common error is moving both hands simultaneously in the same direction; remember that the hands should move in alternating circles, like you are pedaling a bicycle backwards. Finally, be careful not to make the circles too large or move your hands too far away from your body—the movement should stay relatively close to your chest.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Occasion" in a Sentence
1We dressed up for the special occasion.
In this context, signing *occasion* by using the movement for *excited* perfectly captures the anticipation and positive energy of getting ready for a major celebratory event. It emphasizes that the event is not just a neutral happening, but something thrilling that warrants dressing up.
2What is the occasion for the party?
When asking this question, use the sign for *occasion* to inquire about the exciting milestone or event being celebrated. Because this is a "wh-" question (asking "what"), make sure to furrow your eyebrows and tilt your head slightly forward while signing to show you are asking for information.
3It was a very memorable occasion.
Here, signing *occasion* highlights the special and emotional nature of the memory. Pair the sign with a warm, reflective facial expression to show that the event left a lasting, positive impression on you. The upward, bubbling motion perfectly matches the feeling of a joyful memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the sign for 'occasion' the same as the sign for 'excited'?
In ASL, meaning is often conveyed through conceptual links rather than direct English translations. A special occasion is conceptually tied to the excitement, joy, and positive emotions surrounding the event. Using the sign for *excited* emphasizes that the happening is thrilling, celebratory, or noteworthy, rather than just a mundane daily occurrence.
Do I need to physically touch my chest when making this sign?
Yes, for the most accurate execution, the tips of your bent middle fingers should lightly brush upward against your chest during the circular motion. This tactile contact is a key component of many ASL signs related to feelings and internal emotions, helping to ground the sign's meaning in the body.
Can I use the sign for 'event' instead of this sign?
Yes, absolutely! Depending on the exact context, you can use the standard sign for *event* or *happen* (where both index fingers point forward and roll over). You would use *event* for a neutral occurrence, while this *excited* variation is best reserved for a festive, special, or highly anticipated occasion.
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