1:00 PM in ASL | ASL Dictionary

Definition: The time at one o’clock in the afternoon.

1:00 PM in ASL

Practice Activities:

Practice signing “1:00 PM in ASL” in isolation by forming the number “1” with your dominant hand, pointing the palm outward. Rotate your wrist slightly so it appears like the “1” on a clock. Follow this by transitioning to “PM” using the manual alphabet for “P” and “M.” Repeat this motion several times to build fluency. Practice distinguishing between “1:00 PM in ASL” and other times by alternating between different hour signs, such as “2:00 PM” and “3:00 PM,” to notice the transitions.

Create flashcards with different times on one side, including “1:00 PM in ASL,” and practice signing them when revealed. Include a mix of AM and PM times to challenge recall and reinforce understanding. Use a mirror or record yourself to check the clarity of your movements and facial expressions.

Incorporate “1:00 PM in ASL” into simple example sentences for context, such as “The meeting starts at 1:00 PM,” or “Let’s have lunch at 1:00 PM.” Practice these sentences several times and use facial expressions to convey tone or mood. Add variations by using phrases like “I will call you at 1:00 PM,” or “The bus arrives at 1:00 PM,” to contextualize the sign in different real-life scenarios.

Work with a partner to role-play scenarios that include “1:00 PM in ASL.” For instance, one person might ask, “What time is the appointment?” and the other could reply correctly. Switch roles and expand into mini-dialogues, rotating between different activities planned at “1:00 PM in ASL.”

For storytelling practice, create short scenarios that hinge on the timing of “1:00 PM in ASL.” For example, describe a day in which you prepare for an event happening at “1:00 PM,” incorporating steps leading up to this time. This enhances your ability to use the sign naturally while practicing transitions and related vocabulary.

Cultural Context:

In American culture, time is typically expressed using the 12-hour clock system, which divides the day into two segments: “AM” (Ante Meridiem) for the morning and “PM” (Post Meridiem) for the afternoon and evening. 1:00 PM in ASL refers to one o’clock in the afternoon. This time is often associated with lunch breaks, afternoon meetings, or school schedules, depending on the context.

In Deaf culture and American Sign Language (ASL), clear time communication is especially important to maintain understanding, as visual cues play a major role. When signing “1:00 PM in ASL”, it combines the number one with the sign indicating “o’clock,” followed by the fingerspelling for “P” and “M” or contextual clarification or the sign “afternoon” to indicate a time between 12 PM and 4:59 PM. Facial expressions and context further frame whether the time refers to a specific event or general scheduling.

Punctuality and respect for timing are emphasized in many professional and cultural settings, including events tailored for Deaf communities. Understanding and efficiently communicating time, such as 1:00 PM in ASL, ensures seamless interaction, regardless of whether the exchange occurs in spoken English or ASL.

Extended Definition:

1:00 PM refers to the specific time on a 12-hour clock that marks the early afternoon. It is the midpoint between noon and 2:00 PM and is commonly associated with the start of post-lunch activities in many cultures worldwide. Depending on the time zone, the time at 1:00 PM may vary, but it signifies a standardized period for scheduling events, appointments, or meetings in both personal and professional contexts.

In everyday conversation and timekeeping, 1:00 PM is typically written in its abbreviated form or stated as “one o’clock in the afternoon.” The “PM” denotes post meridiem, a Latin term meaning “after midday,” distinguishing it from 1:00 AM, which occurs during the late nighttime hours. Many businesses and educational institutions set important deadlines or events around this time, considering it an ideal balance between earlier and late-day engagements.

From an organizational perspective, 1:00 PM in ASLis often a critical time to restart tasks or implement strategies after the day’s transition from morning to midday. Whether used for scheduling in calendars, planning activities, or aligning time zones in global communications, 1:00 PM holds universal significance in structuring daily activities.

This straightforward, easily recognizable point in time integrates into the larger framework of time management, providing a key milestone for tracking productivity, recreation, or rest during the afternoon segment of the day.

Synonyms: 1 PM, 1:00PM, 1 o’clock PM, one 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: Numbers, Multiplication, Math, Numbers 1-10, Language Learning

Parameters

*Handshape*:

The dominant hand forms the number “1” handshape, index finger extended while all other fingers remain curled in. The non-dominant hand forms a flat “B” handshape, palm facing upward to represent the clock face. The dominant hand taps the wrist area of the non-dominant hand to indicate time, then moves slightly outward. The clear use of the “1” handshape and wrist position emphasizes the concept of “1:00 PM in ASL” through time-specific depiction.

*Palm Orientation*:

The palm orientation for the ASL sign “1:00 PM in ASL” involves the dominant hand with the palm facing outward while forming the number “1” with the index finger extended and other fingers folded. The non-dominant hand may hold an open palm, facing up to mimic a clock face. When transitioning to indicate “PM,” the palm orientation shifts slightly, ensuring visibility as the dominant hand motion signifies the afternoon timeframe.

*Location*:

The sign for “1:00 PM in ASL” is located in neutral space, slightly in front of the chest. The dominant hand is used, starting near shoulder level, and then transitions to a slight forward movement for the clock reference. The palm orientation changes depending on the specific context, emphasizing time. The non-dominant hand may assist for clarity. Maintain focus near chest height in the signing area for accuracy and legibility.

*Movement*:

The dominant hand, formed into the shape of the number “1,” starts near the chin and moves outward slightly to indicate “one.” Then, the dominant hand transitions into a flat palm facing upward, mimicking the position of a clock. The non-dominant hand forms a horizontal base to represent the clock face, while the dominant hand points at the corresponding hour position to signify “1:00 PM in ASL.” The time marker is emphasized with a small outward flick.

*Non-Manual Signals*:

raised eyebrows, slight head tilt forward, neutral mouth posture, focused eye gaze on hand, relaxed facial expression, emphasize clock-related time, maintain consistent eye contact during signing, slight nose wrinkling for questioning tone if needed, subtle nod to confirm time, neutral lip movement, general calm demeanor for signing AM/PM context, minimal exaggeration of facial features, slight cheek raising if conveying clarity, careful modulating of other facial muscles for focus.

*Prosody, Dominant/Non-Dominant Hand*:

The dominant hand forms the number “1” with the index finger extended, palm facing outward. The motion begins by moving the hand from a neutral position to mimic pointing at the clock location on the non-dominant hand. The non-dominant hand remains in a horizontal flat “B” handshape, palm-up, representing the clock face. Maintain precision in the timing concept by aligning the dominant hand’s movement with the wrist pivot to signify “1:00 PM in ASL.”

Tips for Beginners:

The ASL sign for “1:00 PM in ASL” is comprised of two integral parts: a numerical concept (the number 1) and a time-of-day indicator (PM). To sign “1:00 PM in ASL,” first form the number 1 by extending your dominant hand’s index finger upward while tucking the other fingers into the palm.

Then, transition into the sign for “PM,” which usually involves referencing “afternoon” by positioning your dominant hand flat and parallel, palm facing downward, just above your non-dominant hand, also flat but angled downward to indicate the position of the sun in the afternoon sky. Ensure clarity by pausing slightly between the numeric and time-of-day portions before signing “clock” (represented by tapping the wrist as if pointing to a wristwatch).

**Tips for Beginners:**

When practicing the sign for “1:00 PM in ASL,” focus first on mastering the individual components — the number 1, time-of-day reference (PM), and the clock indicator. This will help build muscle memory and ensure accuracy in communication. Use slow and controlled movements at first, paying attention to the correct positioning and angle of your hands. Over time, you’ll achieve a more natural flow between the components.

Common pitfalls include rushing through the sign, making it unclear whether you’re signing “PM” or another time segment like “AM.” Another frequent mistake is positioning the hand incorrectly for “afternoon” in the PM portion of the sign. To avoid this, practice in front of a mirror to check your hand angles and movements. Remember to maintain smooth transitions between each part of the sign without exaggerations or abrupt stops.

Practice signing with a clock nearby to reinforce the connection between the visual representation of time and the sign itself. Watching skilled signers demonstrate numbers and time-related signs in real-life contexts or video resources can also provide valuable insight. By combining this practice with feedback from experienced signers, you’ll enhance clarity and confidence in signing “1:00 PM in ASL” effectively.

Connections to Other topics:

The sign for “1:00 PM in ASL” connects to broader concepts of time, scheduling, and daily activities, which are integral in ASL communication. Time-related signs often form the backbone of conversations about routines, planning, and events in a Deaf cultural context. The sign itself integrates two components: the numeral “1” and the indication of time, which aligns this sign with a larger system of time-labeled vocabulary, such as “2:00 PM,” “3:00 PM,” and similar expressions. Once proficient in understanding this modular structure, ASL learners can adapt it to represent specific times throughout the day.

In advanced contexts, “1:00 PM in ASL” ties closely to other temporal signs, such as “morning,” “afternoon,” or “night.” For instance, when combined with “afternoon,” the sign emphasizes mid-day scheduling. Similarly, advanced signers may incorporate role-shifting to explain events like “I have a meeting at 1:00 PM,” clarifying actions tied to specific times. This concept is vital for interpreting narratives that require chronologies or detailed timelines.

Compound signs or phrases also play a key role. Everyday expressions like “What time is it?” or “At 1:00 PM, we’ll meet” enhance conversational fluidity. ASL often omits unnecessary words for clarity while focusing on key time indicators. For example, pronouns and auxiliary verbs are typically dropped when signing about time, as in “Meeting 1:00 PM” instead of “The meeting is at 1:00 PM.” This reduction allows for quicker communication while preserving context.

Another notable connection is how directional signs can interact with time-based expressions. For example, a signer might combine “1:00 PM in ASL” with movement markers to clarify location, as in “At 1:00 PM, I’ll go there” or point to a calendar in their environment. This use of space to contextualize timelines makes tactile and spatial awareness integral to mastering time expressions in ASL.

Summary:

Signing “1:00 PM in ASL” revolves around a combination of numerical handshapes and time-related contextual markers that clarify the intended meaning. The phrase “1:00 PM in ASL” involves two main components: the numerical indicator for the number “1” and additional context to specify the time of day. The motion, placement, and facial expressions used while signing this phrase allow for visual clarity and maintain the grammar of ASL, which prioritizes spatial and visual structure over linear auditory sequence.

ASL employs a rule-driven process to convey the concept of time, integrating aspects of number signs, time-of-day markers, and non-manual signals such as facial expressions and body shifts. To fully understand the production of “1:00 PM in ASL,” it’s essential to analyze its constituents, context, and cultural relevance within both ASL and the Deaf community.

The production of “1:00 PM in ASL” begins with the handshape for the number “1.” The signer uses the dominant hand, forming the index finger while keeping other fingers curled and the thumb tucked inward. This handshape is presented palm-outward or palm-facing forward, usually positioned near the center or side of the signing space depending on natural comfort or other contextual signs.

The wrist is typically still, and the movement is minimal as the hand maintains stability to emphasize the numeral. In ASL, clarity in numerical handshapes is essential, as many signs for numbers are easily mistaken for one another without proper positioning, palm orientation, and facial expressions.

Following the number “1,” the signer makes a clear association with time by incorporating spatial markers. To denote that this refers to “o’clock,” the signer typically moves the hand with the number in a slight circular motion, mimicking the hands of an analog clock moving around the face of the clock. This subtle circular movement signals that the number pertains to hours and connects the numeral to the concept of time. Combining the numeral with the semantic classifier of clock-like motion helps differentiate it from other uses of numerals, such as merely counting or referencing specific quantities.

To specify “PM,” ASL requires additional information about the time of day. Standard practice involves signing a secondary contextual marker to distinguish between “AM” and “PM.” For this purpose, ASL uses the signs for “afternoon” or “evening,” depending on whether the time falls in the earlier or later hours of the day. In this case, since “1:00 PM in ASL” occurs in the early afternoon, the signer would typically include the sign for “afternoon” after indicating the number 1 on the wrist, mimicking a clock.

The sign for “afternoon” involves placing the dominant hand palm-down, angled slightly forward, and moving downward, symbolizing the sun’s position in the sky as it descends past midday. This iconic representation of time aligns with ASL’s spatial and visual grammar, making it easy for signers to quickly distinguish between AM and PM without ambiguity.

Additionally, context plays a major role in whether an explicit “PM” marker is necessary. In a conversation where the timeframe is already understood, a signer may simply sign “1” on the wrist and move forward with the sentence without needing to clarify further. However, if precision is required—such as when discussing schedules, appointments, or deadlines—including “afternoon” or “evening” ensures that the intended time is clearly conveyed.

Beyond basic time markers, ASL allows for non-manual markers (NMMs) and role-shifting to provide additional meaning. A signer discussing an event at 1:00 PM in ASL may use raised eyebrows to frame a yes/no question or a head tilt forward to emphasize certainty. These elements enhance fluency and comprehension, ensuring that ASL users can efficiently convey time-related concepts in a visually intuitive way.

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