The Everything Sign Language Book

1. Master the Basics: Handshapes, Location, Movement, and Palm Position

The signs have four independent parts. These parts play exacting roles, and if any one of them is changed, the meaning of the sign is altered.

The foundation of ASL. American Sign Language (ASL) is built on four fundamental elements: handshape, location, movement, and palm position. Each element plays a crucial role in forming signs and conveying meaning. Handshapes include specific formations like "claw hand," "open five," and "flat hand." Location refers to where the sign is formed on or around the body. Movement describes the action that creates the sign, such as circular motions or up-and-down movements. Palm position indicates the direction the palm faces during sign formation.

Importance of precision. Mastering these elements is essential for accurate communication in ASL. Even slight changes in any of these components can alter the meaning of a sign or create confusion. For example, the signs for "mother" and "father" use the same handshape but differ in location, demonstrating how crucial each element is in conveying the intended message.

2. Learn Essential Vocabulary for Daily Communication

Remember, you do not need to sign any of the little words people say daily, such as "the," "a," or "is."

Building a functional vocabulary. ASL, like any language, requires a core set of vocabulary to enable effective daily communication. This includes signs for common objects, actions, and concepts encountered in everyday life. Focus on learning signs for family members, food items, basic actions (eat, sleep, work), and common household objects.

Efficiency in signing. Unlike spoken English, ASL does not require articles or linking verbs in many contexts. This makes communication more direct and efficient. When constructing sentences in ASL, focus on conveying the main ideas and concepts without worrying about signing every word as you would speak it in English.

Key categories of essential vocabulary:

• Family and relationships
• Food and drink
• Daily activities and routines
• Common objects and places
• Basic emotions and feelings

3. Understand and Use Facial Expressions and Non-Manual Behaviors

Facial expressions are equal to vocal intonation.

Beyond hand movements. ASL is a visual language that relies heavily on facial expressions and body language to convey meaning, emotion, and grammatical information. These non-manual behaviors are as crucial to communication as the hand signs themselves. They can indicate questions, show emphasis, express emotions, and provide context for the signs being used.

Grammatical function. In ASL, specific facial expressions and head movements are used to indicate different types of questions (yes-no questions vs. wh-questions), negation, and adverbial information. For example, raised eyebrows often accompany yes-no questions, while furrowed brows are used for wh-questions. Learning to incorporate these elements correctly is essential for clear and nuanced communication in ASL.

Key non-manual behaviors:

• Eyebrow movements (raised, furrowed)
• Head tilts and nods
• Shoulder movements
• Mouth shapes and movements
• Eye gaze

4. Apply Classifiers to Enhance Visual Descriptions

Classifiers give clarity, movement, and details without having to learn many new signs.

Visual representation tools. Classifiers are handshapes used to represent objects, people, or animals and show their movement, location, or appearance. They are a powerful tool in ASL for creating vivid, detailed descriptions without the need for extensive vocabulary. Classifiers allow signers to "show" rather than just "tell," making communication more visual and engaging.

Versatility in communication. By mastering classifiers, signers can describe complex scenarios, spatial relationships, and actions with great efficiency. For example, the "3" handshape can represent vehicles, allowing the signer to show how cars move in relation to each other or describe a traffic accident with just hand movements.

Common classifier handshapes and their uses:

• "1" handshape: Represents people or thin objects
• "3" handshape: Represents vehicles
• "C" handshape: Represents cylindrical objects
• "B" handshape: Represents flat surfaces or objects

5. Master Numbers, Time, and Calendar Signs

Numbers are signed exactly the way they are spoken.

Foundational concepts. Numbers, time, and calendar-related signs are essential for everyday communication in ASL. Learning to sign numbers from 1 to 1,000,000 provides a foundation for expressing quantities, dates, and times. Understanding how to sign days of the week, months, and years enables discussing schedules and events.

Practical applications. Mastering these signs allows for clear communication about appointments, birthdays, historical events, and financial matters. It's important to note that ASL uses a visual representation of time, with the future indicated by forward movements and the past by backward movements.

Key time-related concepts in ASL:

• Numbers 1-10 (one-handed)
• Numbers 11-999,999 (combinations)
• Days of the week (initialized signs)
• Months (fingerspelled abbreviations)
• Time expressions (past, present, future)

6. Develop Skills for Asking and Answering Questions

When asking a wh- word question, do the following: Furrow your eyebrows, Tilt your head forward, Make direct eye contact, Hold your last sign.

Question formation. ASL has specific techniques for forming different types of questions. "Wh-" questions (who, what, when, where, why) require distinct facial expressions and head movements, while yes-no questions use different non-manual behaviors. Learning these techniques is crucial for engaging in meaningful conversations and gathering information.

Answering strategies. Effective communication in ASL also involves knowing how to answer questions appropriately. This includes using the correct sign order, incorporating relevant classifiers, and employing appropriate facial expressions to convey your response clearly.

Types of questions in ASL:

• Wh- questions (who, what, when, where, why)
• Yes-no questions
• Rhetorical questions

7. Adapt to Regional Variations and Stay Flexible as a Signer

The best signer is the one who knows how to use the vocabulary he has acquired.

Embracing diversity. Like spoken languages, ASL has regional variations in signs, handshapes, and even grammatical structures. Being aware of and adaptable to these variations is crucial for effective communication with signers from different regions or backgrounds. This flexibility demonstrates respect for the diversity within the Deaf community and enhances overall communication skills.

Continuous learning. The most effective ASL users are those who remain open to learning new signs, variations, and cultural nuances. This approach not only improves communication but also shows respect for the rich diversity of the language and its users. Remember that knowing multiple ways to express an idea can be more valuable than having an extensive but inflexible vocabulary.

Tips for adapting to regional variations:

• Learn multiple signs for common concepts
• Ask about local sign preferences when in new areas
• Stay updated on evolving signs and cultural shifts
• Practice with signers from different regions when possible
• Attend Deaf community events to expose yourself to various signing styles

Last updated: October 13, 2024