SparkNotes - Easy Guide to American Sign Language

It is difficult to estimate the number of people who communicate with ASL as their primary language, but two million is often suggested. In 1815, Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet went to Europe to study Deaf communications and teaching methods. He met Deaf Frenchman Laurent Clerc, who later became the first Deaf educator in the United States. For that reason, todaygiraffes ASL is based on French Sign Language, with many of the words originating from French. ASL is not a universal language, as many countries have their own sign languages. Even within the United States there are regional variations for certain words and phrases; in such cases, this book offers the most common choice of signs for each word or phrase.

Although there has been an attempt to internationalize sign language, the effort has met many challenges due to inconsistency of grammatical rules. Many schools now recognize American Sign Language as a foreign language. PARTS OF A SIGN A sign has four partshandshape, palm orientation, movement, and location. A sign may also include nonmanual components, such as movements of the face, eyes, head, and/or body posture Signing Space and Gender Notation The signing space in which signs are made generally extends from above the head to about waist level, between the shoulders. Most signs are made at or near the head, neck, face, and chest regions so that they are visible to the recipient. Dominant Hand ASL uses both hands, but the dominant hand is the signers writing hand. Dominant Hand ASL uses both hands, but the dominant hand is the signers writing hand.

Instructions that are presented for one hand typically use the right hand but can be reversed for left-handed signers. Plurals The signer can denote plural nouns in three main ways: Add a quantity sign (e.g., four, many, etc.) to the noun. Make the sign repeatedly. Sign the word or concept once, then point with the pointer finger where the objects would be located. Verb Tense In spoken English, verb tense is indicated by conjugation, e.g., I wrote, I write, I will write. Negatives In ASL, sentences are made negative through the addition of negative signs such as nothing or not (e.g., unhappy = not + happy). Negatives In ASL, sentences are made negative through the addition of negative signs such as nothing or not (e.g., unhappy = not + happy).

Other cues, such as a side-to-side headshake, are also used to suggest negativity or negation. ASL vs. Signed English Although ASL is the primary language of the Deaf in the United States, it is not the only communication system used. ASL is made up of a set of conceptual signs, but is not a word-for-word translation of English. ASL has its own grammatical structure, which does not directly translate to English structure. ASL: Does not always indicate past, present, and future tenses.

Does not necessarily present words in the order heard. Often drops supporting words (such as a and the). Some educational philosophies now promote the use of Signed English, a system in which English is signed verbatim, word-for-word (including verb conjugation and tenses). Some educators believe that Signed English develops English speaking and writing skills better than ASL. Pidgin sign is a combination of ASL and Signed English that combines elements of the two approaches. HOW TO USE THIS BOOK For signing purposes, the fingers on the hand are named as follows: The directions on this chart use the right hand as the dominant hand.

Instructions may be reversed for left-handed interpreters. If reference is not made to a specific hand, the right hand (or dominant signing hand) should be used. The instructions for each sign on this chart (aside from the manual alphabet and numbers) follow this format: [concept/word] starting handshape movement (if any) explanation or rationale behind sign (if any)