How to Sign "Grow Up" in ASL
To sign grow up in American Sign Language (ASL), use an open B handshape for each hand, palms facing inward, starting near the chest or midline and moving both hands upward and slightly forward in a smooth, ascending motion. The movement is deliberate and clear, symbolizing development and increasing height or maturity. This sign is commonly used with children learning language, in storytelling, and when discussing future aspirations or life stages. Below you will find step-by-step instructions, variations, context notes, and practice suggestions to help you use this sign accurately and naturally.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Form an open B handshape: thumb tucked alongside the index finger, fingers together and slightly curved, palm facing inward toward your body.
- Hold both hands at chest or waist level, elbows gently bent, with palms facing each other or inward.
- Move both hands upward along a slight forward arc, keeping the palms oriented inward and the motion smooth and controlled.
- Continue the upward movement until your hands are in a comfortable upper chest or lower face-high position.
- Hold the final position briefly to reinforce the meaning if you are teaching or emphasizing the sign.
Handshape Details
The open B handshape is essential. Fingers should remain together and relaxed, not spread wide. Avoid curling the fingers into a fist or using a flat five handshape, as these can change the meaning or make the sign harder to recognize.
Movement and Palm Orientation
Upward and slightly forward motion mirrors the concept of growth and progression. Keeping palms inward maintains clarity, especially in conversation where this sign is used repeatedly. Small, controlled variations are acceptable in natural signing, but large side-to-side movements can reduce clarity.
Common Contexts and Usage
You will often see grow up used in sentences about children, future plans, and personal development. It can function as both a verb phrase and a standalone expression depending on context. For example:
- When asking a child what they want to be when they grow up, you sign the phrase in sequence: sign the subject or pronoun, then grow up, followed by the question or topic.
- In storytelling, you might use grow up to indicate a character maturing or transitioning from one life stage to another.
Variations and Related Signs
While the core sign described above is widely recognized, you may encounter slight variations in different regions or among individual signers. Some people use a single-hand version, especially when signing quickly or in less formal contexts. Others emphasize the upward path more strongly to highlight increase or progression. These differences do not usually affect understanding, but consistency within a conversation helps with clarity.
Do not confuse grow up with signs related to older age or senior, which use different handshapes and movements. Maintaining correct palm orientation and handshape ensures you communicate the intended meaning.
Practice and Integration
Effective practice involves slow, deliberate repetition followed by gradual acceleration to natural conversational speed. Try incorporating grow up into simple phrase combinations:
- I grow up. (Signed about yourself to indicate you are no longer a child.)
- You grow up. (Used when addressing someone else.)
- When do you grow up? (A common question directed at children.)
Mirror practice can help you check handshape and movement accuracy. If possible, work with a fluent signer or Deaf mentor to receive feedback on your form and timing.
Cultural and Contextual Considerations
In Deaf culture, signs related to life stages are used with the same respect and nuance as spoken-language equivalents. When discussing growing up with children or new learners, frame the sign within positive, affirming contexts that support their development. Be mindful that conversations about age or maturity can be personal, so use your judgment and follow the lead of the people you are conversing with.
Quick Reference Table
| Attribute | Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Handshape | Open B | Standard ASL reference |
| Movement | Upward and slightly forward | Common instructional practice |
| Palm Orientation | Inward (toward signer) | General ASL guidelines |
| Typical Contexts | Children, future plans, development | Deaf community usage |
| Related Meanings | Mature, develop, transition to adulthood | ASL educational sources |
Final Tips
Use smooth, upward movement; maintain the open B handshape; keep palms oriented inward; and practice in context with simple phrases. If you are teaching others, model the sign in short, repeatable phrases and provide opportunities for guided practice. Consistent form and respectful context will help you use grow up accurately and effectively in everyday ASL communication.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can I use one hand to sign grow up?
Yes, many signers use a single-hand version in informal speech, but using both hands with the open B handshape is more consistent and clearer in teaching or formal contexts. Both versions are generally understood.
Does grow up ever mean getting older in ASL?
Not directly. For the concept of aging or being older, signers typically use signs like older or specific age-number signs. Grow up focuses on the process of development or reaching adulthood rather than the simple passage of time.
Is this sign appropriate for children learning ASL?
Yes, this sign is appropriate and frequently used with children. Pair it with clear examples and simple sentences to help them grasp the meaning and usage.