How to Sign ''Yesterday'' in American Sign Language (ASL)

In American Sign Language (ASL), the word "yesterday" is expressed using a specific hand gesture. To sign "yesterday," you start by forming the letter "A" with your dominant hand, which means your thumb is extended while the other fingers are curled into your palm. Place your thumb near your cheek, and then move your hand backward in a small arc, away from your face. This motion symbolizes the concept of moving back in time, which aligns with the meaning of "yesterday." The cultural background of this gesture is rooted in the visual and spatial nature of ASL, where time-related concepts often involve directional movements. This sign is commonly used in everyday conversations when discussing past events or making references to the previous day. Understanding and using this sign can help beginners effectively communicate temporal concepts in ASL.