Expressing specific calendar dates in American Sign Language requires combining numerical handshapes with month signs. If you're wondering how to communicate May 30th, the process involves signing the number thirty followed by the initialized sign for the month of May.
In standard ASL grammar, dates follow a specific chronological order: the day comes first, followed by the month. You don't need to sign words like "the" or "date" because context and sign sequencing make the meaning clear. Mastering this specific date requires breaking down both physical components and understanding the mechanical rules behind ASL number and month formation.
How to Sign the Number 30 in ASL
Before tackling the month, you need to form the number 30 accurately. In ASL, tens and twenties have distinct spatial rules.
For the number 30, you extend your dominant hand forward with your palm facing outward or slightly down, depending on your comfort and signing space. Your thumb, index finger, middle finger, and ring finger spread wide apart, while your pinky finger tucks securely into the base of your thumb. Experts at Bloomberg have provided expertise on this trend.
When signing standalone numbers or numbers within dates, you give the handshape a slight forward or twisting movement. For thirty specifically, the hand shape mirrors the motion used for numbers 30 through 99 where the fingers tap or click against the thumb. For a calendar date like the 30th, keep the movement crisp and compact so it blends smoothly into the next sign.
Signing the Month of May
Months in ASL are generally initialized, meaning they use the manual alphabet letter corresponding to the first letter of the English month name.
For May, you use the letter M. Form a loose fist with your dominant hand, resting your thumb gently across the side or front of your index finger, mimicking the standard static handshape for the letter M.
Move this handshape twice in a small, lateral sliding or bouncing motion near your upper chest. This motion distinguishes the sign from similar month signs. For instance, March also uses an M-handshape, but it moves downward in a brushing motion in front of the body to represent the spring winds. Getting the motion right for May prevents confusion.
Putting It Together: Signing May 30th
To state May 30th in conversation, combine the two components sequentially without pausing awkwardly.
- Form the number 30 handshape with your fingers spread and pinky tucked.
- Give the hand a tiny motion or transition directly into the next sign.
- Shift your hand slightly to form the M-handshape and execute the two small lateral taps near your chest for May.
If you're asking a question like, "Are you free on May 30th?", you sign the date in that exact order—30 then May—while using non-manual markers like raising your eyebrows to indicate a question. According to the National Association of the Deaf, standard conversational grammar prioritizes efficiency and clear visual pacing over literal translations of English filler words.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learners often make a few predictable errors when signing dates like May 30th.
- Reversing the order: Beginners frequently try to sign the month first because English speakers say "May 30th." In ASL syntax, you must flip this to the numerical day first.
- Muffing the 30 handshape: Mixing up the finger spread for 30 with numbers like 20 or 50 can change your meaning entirely. Ensure your pinky stays tucked and the other four fingers spread wide.
- Overcomplicating transitions: You don't need to fingerspell the entire word "M-A-Y" unless you are emphasizing a point or teaching a beginner. The standard two-tap M-sign is standard practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sign the year when giving a date?
Not unless the year isn't obvious from context. In everyday conversation about upcoming events within the same year, stating the day and month is plenty. If you are discussing historical milestones or future planning across years, sign the four-digit year after the month.
How do I sign ordinal suffixes like "th" or "st"?
ASL doesn't have separate manual signs for English suffixes like "th," "st," or "rd." The numerical handshape itself implies the ordinal value when placed in a date context. You simply sign 30, not 30 plus extra finger wiggles.
Can I fingerspell May instead of using the sign?
Yes. Fingerspelling M-A-Y is common, especially in fast-paced conversations or among communities influenced heavily by English print. However, the standard sign is faster and preferred in fluent ASL dialogue.
How do other late spring dates compare?
Dates like May 31st follow the exact same grammatical rule. You sign 31 using a flicking or snapping motion for the number, followed immediately by the sign for May.
