1 PM in ASL | ASL Dictionary

Definition: The time at 1 in the afternoon

1 PM in ASL

Practice Activities:

Practice signing “1 PM in ASL” in isolation to ensure clarity in forming the numbers and letters. Begin with a strong, upright index finger representing the number one, and follow by producing the general “time of day” sign. For this, tap the wrist of your dominant hand with the pointer finger of your opposite hand, as if pointing to a watch. Pronounce “PM” by moving your dominant hand slightly outward while mouthing “PM” for emphasis. Watch yourself in the mirror to verify clarity and accuracy.

For contextual practice, create time-related scenarios. For example, sign a sentence such as, “The meeting is at 1 PM” or “I have lunch at 1 PM every day.” Practice delivering this sign smoothly within full sentences to improve fluidity. As comprehension improves, increase sentence complexity, such as, “The train leaves at 1 PM, and I’ll arrive at 3 PM.”

Engage in storytelling prompts. Create a short narrative where activities happen at different times of the day. For example, “This morning, I had breakfast at 8 AM. Later, I have a doctor’s appointment at 1 PM. Then, I’ll meet a friend at 6 PM.” Use these storytelling prompts to practice integrating “1 PM in ASL” with other time signs.

Partner activities can enhance clarity through social practice. With a partner, one person can state a schedule verbally (e.g., “We will meet at 1 PM, text our friends at 2 PM, and have dinner at 7 PM”). The other signs the information back, ensuring accuracy in depicting all specified times. Switch roles for additional practice.

Mimic real scheduling discussions. For example, ask your partner, “What time do we need to leave for the game?” and respond using “1 PM in ASL.” This contextualized usage reinforces retention and comprehension of “1 PM in ASL” in an everyday situation. Repeat scenarios until conversations with this sign feel natural.

Cultural Context:

In American culture, “1 PM in ASL” refers to one o’clock in the afternoon, representing a time in the 12-hour clock system. It is commonly used in daily scheduling for work, lunch breaks, or meetings, and is equivalent to 13:00 in the 24-hour clock format often used in military or international contexts.

For Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, time-related discussions might include visual aids such as clocks, written communication, or signed conversations to ensure clarity. “1 PM in ASL” combines the sign for the number 1 and the abbreviation for “PM” indicated by context or additional signing for clarity or by signing “afternoon” after the time number 1.

Culturally, time management is significant in American life, and punctuality is often expected, especially in professional and educational settings. The concept of afternoon time, like 1 PM in ASL, may also influence social norms, such as traditional midday meals or peak hours for productivity.

Understanding how “1 PM in ASL” is signed and used in a cultural context assists ASL users in navigating American social and professional settings effectively. This promotes equitable communication and participation across various interaction spaces.

Extended Definition:

1 PM refers to the time that occurs one hour past noon, marking the early phase of the afternoon. It falls within the 12-hour clock system and is often associated with midday activities and transitions. This specific time is denoted as 13:00 in a 24-hour clock format, often used in military, scientific, and international contexts.

Typically, 1 PM serves as a common scheduling hour for meetings, lunch breaks, or early afternoon appointments. It can be a period of productivity for those engaging in work or academic endeavors, as it follows the energy lull that may occur right after lunch. Schools, businesses, and transportation systems often reference 1 PM when structuring event timelines or shift changes.

For many, 1 PM in ASL also has cultural significance, as it is a cornerstone in daily routines. In some regions, it might signify siesta time or moments dedicated to relaxation and recharging, particularly in warmer climates. On the other hand, it may symbolize the commencement of structured daytime activities for those who work in the later part of the day.

In American Sign Language (ASL), interpreting “1 PM in ASL” typically involves signing the number “1” followed by a gesture indicating the concept of “afternoon.” Both components together distinguish it from times occurring in the morning or evening. This makes it an essential part of time-telling vocabulary in ASL communication.

Synonyms: 1 PM, 1:00 PM, 1PM, 1 o’clock PM, one o’clock PM

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Long-tail Keywords: What is the sign for 1:00 PM in ASL, How do you sign 1:00 PM in ASL, ASL sign for 1:00 PM

Categories: Time – Afternoon, Numbers

tags: Time, Numbers, Everyday activities, Telling how one is, Wh-words

Parameters

*Handshape*:

The handshape for “1 PM in ASL” uses the dominant hand in the “1” handshape, where the index finger is extended upright, and all other fingers are curled into the palm with the thumb resting on the fingers. This begins near the dominant side of the body to symbolize the number one. Following this, the hand transitions to a “P” handshape, formed by extending the index and middle fingers downwards while the thumb touches the middle finger.

*Palm Orientation*:

The palm orientation for the sign “1 PM in ASL” begins with the dominant hand positioned upright, palm facing outward to represent the numeral “1”. Next, in the motion for “PM”, the palm generally shifts to face inward or downward, depending on the variant. Both components of the sign maintain a clear and fluid shift in palm orientation, ensuring clarity, with the palm initially outward, then transitioning as needed to convey “PM” effectively.

*Location*:

The location for the sign “1 PM in ASL” involves placing the dominant hand near the side of the face or in the space close to the shoulder. The starting handshape is the number “1” with the palm facing outward before transitioning to the flat “B” handshape for “PM.” This is performed in neutral signing space near the upper chest, ensuring clear visibility and alignment to convey both numerical and time-related components accurately.

*Movement*:

The movement for “1 PM in ASL” begins with the dominant hand forming the number “1” (index finger extended, other fingers curled, thumb resting over the curled fingers) and held upright. Then, the hand moves to indicate the clock reference. For “PM,” transition by fingerspelling “P” (index finger and thumb extended downward, middle finger tucked) and “M” (three fingers downward). The motion is fluid, with slight pauses between the number and the abbreviation.

*Non-Manual Signals*:

raised eyebrows, slight head tilt, neutral facial expression, quick upward glance, subtle lip pursing, relaxed jaw, focused gaze, minimal mouth movement, calm demeanor, steady eye contact, natural posture, subtle nod, comfortable body orientation, effortless transition, straightforward presentation, attention to detail, sign clarity, consistent timing, smooth execution, signs flow naturally, clear emphasis, intentional movement matching the time concept, balanced expressiveness, appropriate body language.

*Prosody, Dominant/Non-Dominant Hand*:

The dominant hand forms the number “1” with the index finger extended and other fingers closed. The non-dominant hand, acting as the base, is flat and horizontal with the palm facing upward. The dominant hand moves downward and taps the non-dominant hand’s palm once to indicate “1 PM in ASL.” Ensure movements are clear and deliberate. Signs align fluidly, emphasizing time specificity while maintaining clarity within the prosody.

Tips for Beginners:

To sign “1 PM in ASL,” start by forming the number “1” on your dominant hand. Extend only the index finger, keeping all other fingers closed into the palm, and face the palm outwards. Then, transition into the sign for “PM” by gesturing the abbreviation for “post meridiem.” While some ASL users clarify “PM” indirectly with context, you can reinforce time by first signing “afternoon.” For “afternoon,” place your non-dominant arm horizontally in front of your body, palm down, to serve as a line or surface. Then, position your dominant hand perpendicular to your non-dominant arm, moving it slightly forward and downward like the sun lowering. Combine these elements seamlessly to mark “1 PM in ASL.”

**Tips for Beginners:**

Practice the transition between the two parts of the sign—“1” and “afternoon” or “PM”—so it feels fluid without looking choppy. Start slow, ensuring each component is distinct, and gradually build speed as your confidence grows. Clear hand positioning is essential when forming the number “1.” Avoid curling or extending additional fingers, which can unintentionally change the number. Keep your palm oriented outward for standard clarity in ASL.

When signing “afternoon,” be mindful of keeping the non-dominant arm steady and horizontal. Beginners may inadvertently move their support arm, but maintaining its position improves clarity. Ensure the dominant hand’s downward movement during “afternoon” does not drop too far, as this could interfere with other nearby signs or appear disconnected.

Facial expressions play a key role in ASL communication. Don’t forget to incorporate appropriate non-manual signals, such as a slight head tilt or accompanying mouthing of “PM,” to reinforce the context, especially for time-related signs.

If you’re unsure about combining “1 PM in ASL” as a fluent phrase, consider first practicing the individual components (number and time of day) until you can confidently link them. Watch videos of native ASL users signing “1 PM” to observe nuances like hand placement and rhythm. Finally, always practice in front of a mirror to check your accuracy.

Connections to Other topics:

The sign for “1 PM in ASL” demonstrates the relationship between numbers, time concepts, and specific daily occurrences, making it a natural intersection of numerical and temporal classifiers in the language. The sign integrates the number “1” with the gesture for “PM” or “afternoon,” often involving a slight lean or movement indicating a post-noon time frame. This combination shows how ASL often employs compound signs, joining numerical identifiers with periods of the day to provide precise meaning.

“1 PM in ASL” connects closely to other signs within the domain of time, such as “1 AM,” “noon,” or “1:30 PM.” It illustrates how signing time often centers around modular and systematic use of numbers and classifiers to ensure clarity. Related compound signs can include “2 PM,” “3 PM,” and beyond, which follow the same structural principles, making the connection to other time-related signs intuitive for learners. The gesture for “PM” links seamlessly to the signs for “morning,” “afternoon,” and “evening,” helping show the chronological progression of the day.

Derived signs from “1 PM in ASL” may include setting up specific activities, such as “1 PM meeting,” “1 PM lunch,” or “1 PM appointment.” These contextual utilizations provide learners with insight into how ASL conveys detailed, nuanced schedules effortlessly. Additionally, the time-specifying structure of signs like “1 PM in ASL” aligns with broader systems of numerical representation in ASL, such as when signing dates or money-related amounts.

The “1 PM in ASL” sign strongly overlaps with the broader grammatical element of time-first conventions in ASL. For instance, it is common to first sign “1 PM in ASL” and then elaborate with accompanying actions like “go to work” or “meet someone.” These conventions emphasize the importance of temporal placement and offer a clear framework for constructing more complex sentences about activities, deadlines, or daily plans. This interconnectedness deepens understanding of both practical signing and ASL grammar principles.

Summary:

The American Sign Language (ASL) representation for “1 PM in ASL” utilizes a combination of two distinct signs that work together to convey both the numeral “1” and the time-of-day concept of “PM,” or afternoon. The sign combines numerical clarity with temporal distinction, a linguistic efficiency typical of ASL. To begin, the numeral “1” is signed by extending the index finger upward while keeping the thumb, middle finger, ring finger, and pinky closed against the palm.

The dominant hand is used to depict the number, and the hand is held upright in a neutral space, generally in front of the chest or face. When signing numerals in ASL, especially single digits, the handshape and orientation are crucial for clarity and correct understanding. For “PM,” the signed construction shifts to indexing the afternoon as a specific time. This is often conveyed by referencing the time of day contextually, depending on the sentence or accompanying signs.

Time signs in ASL are rich with contextual layers and share many connections to broader linguistic rules in the language. The ASL expression for time incorporates markers like the location of the non-dominant hand, palm orientation, dominant hand movements, or supplementary facial expressions to locate the concept within the framework of time. To specifically convey 1 PM in ASL, ASL often employs the “time” marker first, which is a fundamental convention in time-related signs. The “time” marker involves a light tapping motion of the dominant hand’s index finger on the wristband or wrist area of the non-dominant hand, visually reminiscent of checking a watch.

Though this gesture functions as shorthand for time-telling, watch usage is not a prerequisite for the sign’s meaning. The concept of “PM” is inherently understood within the cultural and grammatical framework of ASL when paired with numeral signs, yet signers may additionally use facial expressions or contextual signs like pointing eastward or signing “afternoon” to differentiate PM from AM for absolute clarity.

the passage of time in relation to the sun’s movement in the sky, aligning with ASL’s visual and spatial grammar. Since ASL prioritizes clarity and efficiency, contextual understanding often eliminates the need for explicit AM/PM markers. If a conversation already establishes morning, afternoon, or evening, additional clarification may not be required. However, when specificity is needed, ASL provides clear visual distinctions for different times of day.

For “1 AM in ASL,” the signer may add the sign for “morning,” where the dominant hand rises upward from the non-dominant hand, mimicking the sun’s ascent. Similarly, “night” is indicated by a curved dominant hand resting over the non-dominant hand, representing darkness falling over the horizon. These natural, iconic movements help structure time in a way that is intuitive and visually expressive.

Additionally, non-manual markers (NMMs) such as raised eyebrows for questions or head tilts for emphasis help further clarify meaning. Understanding ASL’s spatial approach to time enhances fluency and allows for smooth, natural conversations without unnecessary repetition.

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