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Intro:
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| A mirror Optional: A video camera, so you can tape yourself and see where you need practice
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| A few weeks to memorize and practice the signs presented in this 2torial and--as with any second language--at least a few years of study and practice if you want to become fluent.
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| Decide early on which hand you'll use as your dominant signing hand (perhaps the one you write with), and never switch dominant hands in mid-conversation. Some other types of sign language used in the U.S. include Signing Exact English (SEE), Signed English, Pidgin Sign English (sort of a blend of Signed English and ASL; often used for interpretation between hearing and deaf people), speech reading (also called lip reading) and finger spelling. A good way to practice is to finger spell signs or license plates while you're riding in a car (not if you're the driver!), words within movie credits, or headlines you see in magazines or newspapers. ASL focuses on concepts, unlike written and spoken English, which has an entirely different grammatical composition. For example, you wouldn't sign "put the cup down" exactly. Instead, you'd focus on what's going on more directly: "cup down." Unlike spoken English, in ASL, adjectives almost always follow nouns. You can purchase sign language games (available online or at learning supply stores) to use as a fun way to learn and practice. #0665
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The vibrant, expressive world of visual communication awaits you. No, this isn't Learn2 Use a Hand Puppet; it's an introduction to American Sign Language (ASL). And while this 2torial will by no means make you an expert signer overnight, it will give you a basic understanding to build upon. So stretch out those fingers and get ready to break the language barrier. We'll get you started by covering the alphabet, numbers and a few simple words. Practicing these signs will help you better communicate with people who are deaf (or hearing or speech impaired), and once you've mastered these basics, you'll be ready to learn more.
Used by the majority of deaf Americans, ASL is not a reflection of spoken English, but is its own language altogether. It's also not the only sign language--each country has its own. In fact, ASL is heavily based on French sign language. The best way to really learn ASL is to associate with someone who knows the language and to practice it often with that person. But if you're not quite ready to go one-on-one, you can always practice by yourself first. A good way to start is to stand in front of a mirror or videotape yourself. This way, you can perfect your signs as much as possible prior to attempting conversation. Carefully watch your movements to make sure they'll be clearly understood. Pay attention to your body language and facial expressions as well, because they're just as important as the signs themselves.
The four parts of a sign include handshape, signing area, hand movement and palm position. If any of these change, so does the meaning of the sign. Handshape: A handshape is the configuration of the hand during a particular sign. For example, many handshapes correspond with manual letters and numbers. So a sign with the same location, movement and palm position can actually mean different things, depending on the handshape. For example, motioning your hand in a circular, palm-in position over your chest area can mean "please" (with an open palm handshape) or "sorry" (with an "a" handshape). Signing area: The same sign can also mean different things depending on its location. With few exceptions, the signing area itself is generally an imaginary rectangle that is shoulder-width and extends from the top of the head to just below the waist. Most signs are made in the area just below the face, head and neck. Hand movement and palm position: A sign can mean one thing if the hand is still, and another if it's moved in a certain way. The same goes for which way the palm is facing (in toward yourself, out toward the other person, sideways, up or down).
The manual alphabet is a good starting point for ASL because many of its handshapes are used within signs. Beginning signers often use the signed alphabet for finger spelling (spelling out words or even sentences letter by letter), while those who use ASL fluently use it most often for proper nouns, technical terms and unusual words. These illustrations are from the American manual alphabet. Other countries, including Britain, use different manual alphabets.
When you're finger spelling, keep your hands in the same place and try to maintain a constant rhythm. Accuracy is more important than speed, but going too slowly is often frustrating for the person watching. Here are some additional guidelines:
Like the manual alphabet, some of the handshapes for numbers are also used in signs. The first group, zero through nine, will probably be familiar to you. Note that the sign for "three" uses the thumb instead of the middle three fingers (just remember that "thumb" and "three" both start with "th-").
Numbers 10 and above are a little less intuitive, but you'll begin to recognize patterns as you get used to them:
Numbers 21-99 have a slightly different pattern. Like 16-19, the first digit is signed and then followed by the second digit. The difference is that for 21-99, the palm position doesn't change between numbers (with only a few exceptions, explained next). Additionally, numbers 21-29 use the "L" handshape for the "2", but numbers 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90 use 3, 4, 5 (and so on), respectively, for their first digit.
Exceptions As you can see with the number 22, numbers with double digits (22, 33, 44, 55, etc.) all have the same handshape but with a slight change of palm position for each digit. The same goes for numbers 67, 68, 69, 78 and 89, which have a left-to-right change of palm position, and 76, 86, 87, 96, 97 and 98, which have a right-to-left change of palm position.
Numbers 100, 1,000 and 1,000,000 are signed as follows:
While many handshapes are the same as letters or numbers, some are different (but they're often just slight variations on actual letters or numbers). You'll begin to recognize each of them as you start learning words and simple phrases. Just remember that the handshape itself is integral to the sign's meaning. Here are some of the most common:
Body language, facial expression and eye contact are as important as the signs themselves. For example, squinting means "very," and raised eyebrows indicate a question. Negatives are indicated by shaking your head "no" as you sign. Slumped shoulders indicate you're tired. If a sentence can mean two different things depending on its tone, facial expression will indicate the tone. It's also important to maintain eye contact and not look away from someone who is signing. Looking away can be considered rude unless there is an emergency. However, the person signing may break eye contact to use his or her eyes as an instrument of conversation.
Once you're comfortable with handshapes, you can move on to signing simple words and phrases. Here are a few to get you going:
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What's your sign?
Learn the four parts of a sign
An example of how these four elements can change things is how the sign for "I love you" can also mean "airplane" or "flying airplane." Each has the same hand position, but "I love you" is when the palm faces outward, "airplane" is when the palm faces downward (parallel to the floor), and "flying airplane" is when the hand faces downward and moves outward and away from the signer.
Learn the manual alphabet
Learn numbers and number patterns
Learn some common handshapes
Use body language and facial expressions
: Learn some simple words
