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LATE: The American Sign Language (ASL) sign for "late"
The sign "late" is generally done in one quick motion, but a double motion is also quite common.
I use the single quick motion if I'm being matter of fact or accusatory.
LATE:
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NOT-YET:
This sign is similar to "LATE" except "not-yet" uses a small negative headshake and covers the lower teeth with the tongue. Yes you have to use your tongue in this sign or you are doing it wrong. That is another reason why it is not possible to speak and sign ASL at the same time.
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LATER (version)
There are a couple versions of "later." This one is sort of like a clock. The other one does the sign "future" using an "L" handshape.
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LATER
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Question: How would you sign the concept of late as in "late in the day" like "its getting late"-woukd that be the same sign as used in "you're late"?
Response:
Quite a few of us tend to spell "late" when used for the various meanings other than "past a deadline." However some signers use the "late" sign more liberally than others. "Late in the day" is somewhat idiomatic to English. Instead we would just choose signs that reflect what we mean:
EVENING
NIGHT
SUNSET
fingerspell: LATE
7PM
NEAR CLOSE TIME
RUN-OUT-OF TIME
...and so forth.
Notes: See: HURRY
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