Sign for 8th Grade in ASL
Quick answer: The sign for 8th grade in ASL combines the ordinal number 8th with the school-related concept of GRADE. It refers to the eighth grade level, usually in middle school or junior high.
How to Sign 8th Grade in ASL
Start by signing 8th using the dominant hand. Then sign or fingerspell GRADE, depending on the version you are using. Together, the signs mean the eighth grade level in school.
This sign is used when talking about middle school, junior high, children’s grade levels, school placement, classroom introductions, teaching assignments, or memories from school.
| Dominant Handshape | 8-hand for 8th, then the handshape used for GRADE or fingerspelling G-R-A-D-E |
|---|---|
| Non-Dominant Handshape | Flat hand or steady reference hand if signing GRADE; not needed if fingerspelling |
| Location | Neutral signing space in front of the body |
| Palm Orientation | Changes naturally from the 8th sign into the GRADE sign or fingerspelling |
| Movement | Sign 8th with a clear ordinal movement, then transition into GRADE or fingerspell G-R-A-D-E |
| Non-Manual Markers | Neutral expression |
When to Use This Sign
Use 8th grade when discussing school, middle school or junior high, children’s grade levels, classroom placement, teaching assignments, or memories from school.
- middle school or junior high discussions
- children’s grade levels
- school placement
- classroom introductions
- teaching assignments
Eighth grade often feels like the big bridge between middle school and high school.
Common Mistakes
- Using the number 8 instead of the ordinal sign 8th
- Touching the thumb to the wrong finger when forming the 8-handshape
- Signing 8th and GRADE too quickly so the meaning is unclear
- Making the ordinal movement too large or unclear
- Confusing 8th grade with eighth place or an eighth item in a list
Example Sentences
ASL gloss: MY CHILD EIGHTH-GRADE
English: My child is in eighth grade.
ASL gloss: NEXT YEAR MY BROTHER EIGHTH-GRADE
English: Next year, my brother will be in eighth grade.
ASL gloss: EIGHTH-GRADE I REMEMBER SCIENCE TEACHER
English: I remember my eighth grade science teacher.
Responses