Here's how it works:
* Placement: The sign for the duration is placed before the verb or adjective it modifies.
* Example:
* "For a long time" (LONG-TIME) + "I was sleepy" (SLEEP) = "I was sleepy for a long time."
* "For a little while" (LITTLE-WHILE) + "I worked" (WORK) = "I worked for a little while."
Important Note: While the most common placement is at the beginning, ASL is a very visual language, and signers can use other techniques for emphasis or clarity. For example, they might repeat the duration sign throughout the phrase or use facial expressions to further clarify the length of time.
It's important to remember that ASL is a rich and complex language, and there are many different ways to express duration. The placement and use of durative time signs can vary depending on the specific situation, the signer's style, and regional variations in the language.