Location and palm orientation matter! When learning signs, pay careful attention to where the hands are located, and which direction the palms face. This affects the meaning of the sign produced. Comfort is important. Arthritis and tendonitis will prevent some from being able to form signs perfectly. If it hurts, adjust your position slightly. Be aware that ASL is not a language only of the hands and fingers. It involves the whole body, including the upper torso, arms, and head. The face is extremely important! Facial expressions can communicate a variety of things. For example, elevated eyebrows when signing means one is asking a question.
Bring your right hand up to your forehead, with your palm facing out. [4] X Research source Move your palm away from your body in a wave motion.
More casual ways to say goodbye include a simple wave of the hand, a nod, or a thumb-up. You can also sign “see you later” by pointing to your eye with your middle and index fingers in the shape of a “V”, and then to the other person with your index finger.
Open your right hand into a flat palm, holding your fingers together with your thumb sticking out. With your palm facing towards you and your hand facing straight up, start the motion with the tips of your fingers touching your chin. Move your hand from your chin straight forward and down in an arc. Nod as you move your hand.
Hold both hands at about chest level in a loose thumbs-up position with both thumbs pointed in towards your chest. Rotate both hands outwards while keeping them in the same space in front of your chest and maintaining your hand shape. Point towards to the other person with your right hand held at your upper chest. Furrow your eyebrows as you finish the phrase, which indicates a question to which you expect a response other than “yes” or “no. "
Learn how to sign numbers. Knowing how to count and number things is a very useful skill to have in any language. Study how to refer to locations. This will be useful as you go to new places and sign with new people. Being able to express time, and the days of the week, will be very helpful when making plans with someone you sign with.
Look for a dictionary with easy-to-understand illustrations and descriptions. Try using an online dictionary, where you can see videos of the signs being produced.
Many colleges will allow you to take a class without enrolling. Check with your local school to see what programs they might offer. Community programs such as local libraries and recreational centers will often offer ASL classes for those that are interested.
There are many sites that contain video tutorials posted by professional ASL instructors. The ASLU is a great resource for new learners. Each entry has a video by professional instructors. Handspeak is another good video resource and online dictionary. YouTube is host to a variety of self-published videos on signing. Just remember that with anything online, anyone can make something regardless of whether or not they actually know what they are doing. Be wary of misinformation and improper techniques.
Apps can be great for quick references, and some include video along with instructions. There are study guides and dictionaries, so try out a couple until you find ones that work for you. Look for apps that have a high number of 4 & 5 star reviews. Browse through some user reviews to see how helpful the app has been for other people.
In Deaf culture, deafness is not viewed as a disability that needs fixing. The terms “mute” and “dumb” are culturally insensitive, and should never be used. In general, individual Deaf communities are tight-knit and initially hard to break into. But persistence and a humble attitude will help you succeed in making deaf friends. Once they know you are sincere and eager to learn about them and their language, many deaf people will begin to accept you and “show you the ropes” of their unique culture. The Deaf culture is built on strong literary traditions, especially in poetry.
Post a bulletin at your school asking for an ASL partner. Get a friend or family member to learn ASL with you so you both have someone to practice with in everyday situations.
Find out what Deaf community events are happening in your area, such as art shows, movie screenings, or gatherings. Go to a Deaf Coffee Chat. They are typically (though, not always) oriented towards beginners and you are likely to find Deaf people who are happy to chat with you. Be polite and ask if someone would like to engage in a basic conversation with you.
