Introduction
American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete, natural language that uses hand movements, facial expressions, and body language to communicate. As the primary language of many Deaf and hard-of-hearing Americans, ASL has its own grammar, syntax, and cultural context distinct from English. Learning ASL opens doors to communicate with the Deaf community and appreciate Deaf culture.
Core Concepts of ASL
The 5 Parameters of ASL Signs
- Handshape – The specific configuration of fingers
- Palm Orientation – Which way the palm faces
- Location – Where the sign is made relative to the body
- Movement – How the hands move during the sign
- Non-manual Markers – Facial expressions and body movements
Important ASL Grammar Rules
- ASL is NOT signed English; it has its own distinct grammar
- ASL typically follows a Time-Subject-Object-Verb structure
- Questions are indicated through facial expressions, not word order
- Signs are made in the “signing space” (area from the top of the head to the waist, and from shoulder to shoulder)
- Time is established first, then doesn’t need to be repeated
Fingerspelling
The ASL manual alphabet is used to spell names, places, or words without specific signs:
| Letter | Description |
|---|---|
| A | Closed fist with thumb resting against the side |
| B | Flat hand, fingers together, thumb tucked |
| C | Curved hand forming a “C” shape |
| D | Index finger pointing up, other fingers and thumb form an “O” |
| E | Fingers curled in, thumb tucked against palm |
| F | Thumb and index finger touch, other fingers up |
| G | Hand in “G” shape, index finger and thumb extended |
| H | Index and middle fingers extended together, parallel to ground |
| I | Pinky finger extended, others closed |
| J | Pinky extended, trace a “J” in the air |
| K | Index finger, middle finger, and thumb extended, forming a “K” |
| L | “L” shape with thumb and index finger |
| M | 3 fingers folded over the palm, thumb tucked under |
| N | 2 fingers folded over the palm, thumb tucked under |
| O | Fingertips and thumb forming an “O” shape |
| P | Index finger pointing down, thumb out to side |
| Q | Finger and thumb pointing down |
| R | Crossed index and middle fingers |
| S | Closed fist with thumb wrapped over fingers |
| T | Index finger pointing up through closed fist |
| U | Index and middle finger extended, close together |
| V | Index and middle finger extended, spread apart |
| W | Index, middle, and ring fingers extended |
| X | Index finger bent at middle joint |
| Y | Thumb and pinky extended, other fingers closed |
| Z | Index finger “draws” a Z in the air |
Essential Vocabulary
Greetings & Basic Communication
| Concept | Description of Sign |
|---|---|
| Hello | Flat hand, fingers together, wave from wrist |
| Goodbye | Wave palm facing out |
| Thank you | Touch lips with fingertips of flat hand, then move hand outward |
| Please | Rub flat hand in circular motion on chest |
| Sorry | Closed fist circled over heart |
| Yes | Hand in “S” shape, nod like a head nodding |
| No | Thumb, index, and middle finger touch, then separate (like snapping) |
| Name | Index and middle fingers of both hands tap together twice |
| My name is… | Sign “MY” (hand to chest), “NAME,” then fingerspell name |
| Nice to meet you | Right flat hand meets left flat hand, then both hands move out and up |
| How are you? | Palms up, move hands from sides inward (with questioning face) |
| Good | Right hand flat, touch mouth then move down to meet left palm |
| Bad | Thumbs down or two flat hands moving down to sides |
Common Phrases & Questions
| Phrase | Description |
|---|---|
| What? | Index fingers extended, palms facing body, move hands in small outward circles |
| When? | Index finger points to back of wrist (like pointing to a watch) |
| Where? | Palm up, move slightly side to side with questioning expression |
| Who? | Thumb points to chin, then rotates outward |
| Why? | Middle finger touches middle of forehead, then hand moves outward |
| How? | Flat hands face each other, move in small circles |
| I don’t understand | Index finger points to forehead, then sign for “understand” moves away |
| Can you repeat? | Index fingers of both hands make circles toward yourself |
| Slow down | Palm down, move hand slowly downward |
| I’m learning ASL | Sign “I” (point to self), then “LEARN,” then fingerspell “ASL” |
Numbers 0-10
| Number | Description |
|---|---|
| 0 | Hand in “O” shape |
| 1 | Index finger extended |
| 2 | Index and middle fingers extended |
| 3 | Thumb, index, and middle fingers extended |
| 4 | Four fingers extended, thumb tucked |
| 5 | All five fingers extended, spread apart |
| 6 | Thumb touches pinky side of palm, other fingers extended |
| 7 | Thumb touches ring finger side of palm, other fingers extended |
| 8 | Thumb touches middle finger side of palm, other fingers extended |
| 9 | Thumb touches index finger, forming a “9” shape |
| 10 | Shake hand with thumb up, or “1” and closed “O” |
Sentence Structure Examples
English vs. ASL Word Order
| English Sentence | ASL Structure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| “I am going to the store tomorrow” | “TOMORROW I STORE GO” | Time is placed first |
| “Did you eat breakfast?” | “YOU EAT BREAKFAST FINISH?” | Add “FINISH” to indicate past tense |
| “What is your name?” | “YOUR NAME WHAT?” | Question word typically comes at the end |
| “I don’t like coffee” | “COFFEE I LIKE NOT” | Negation often follows the verb |
| “The red car is mine” | “CAR RED MINE” | Adjectives follow nouns |
Common Challenges & Solutions
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Fingerspelling too fast | Practice “reading” fingerspelling videos at different speeds |
| Trouble remembering signs | Group signs by category and practice in context |
| Unclear handshapes | Focus on the 5 parameters; film yourself to check accuracy |
| Understanding Deaf signers | Ask politely for them to slow down; immerse yourself more |
| Grammar differences | Think in concepts, not English word-for-word translation |
| Facial expressions feel awkward | Practice in front of a mirror; they’re grammatically essential |
Best Practices for ASL Learners
Do’s
- Maintain eye contact when signing and receiving signs
- Use facial expressions as they’re grammatically necessary
- Find Deaf events for immersion and cultural understanding
- Practice regularly with both Deaf people and other learners
- Ask for feedback from fluent signers
- Respect Deaf culture and learn about Deaf history
Don’ts
- Don’t speak and sign simultaneously (they have different grammar)
- Don’t stare at people’s hands instead of their face
- Don’t interrupt a signed conversation by walking between signers
- Don’t grab someone’s hands to stop them from signing
- Don’t forget to establish context before beginning a story
- Don’t skip facial expressions as they change meaning
ASL Technology Tools
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Dictionaries | ASL Pro, HandSpeak, Signing Savvy, ASL Dictionary |
| Learning Apps | The ASL App, SignSchool, Marlee Signs, ASL Coach |
| Video Resources | ASL THAT!, ASLMeredith, Dr. Bill Vicars (ASLU), The Daily Moth |
| Practice Tools | SigningSavvy, ASL Connect, SignASL.org |
| Video Chat | Glide, Marco Polo (popular in Deaf community) |
Resources for Further Learning
Websites and Video Resources
- Lifeprint.com (Dr. Bill Vicars) – Free ASL lessons with videos
- ASLPro.com – Dictionary with variations shown by different signers
- HandSpeak.com – Visual dictionary and language resources
- ASLU.org – American Sign Language University
- DeafTEC.org – For technical signs and STEM vocabulary
- ASL Connect (Gallaudet University) – Online courses and resources
Books and Reference Materials
- “The American Sign Language Phrase Book” by Lou Fant
- “Signing Illustrated” by Mickey Flodin
- “A Basic Course in American Sign Language” by Humphries, Padden, and O’Rourke
- “Linguistics of American Sign Language” by Clayton Valli and Ceil Lucas
- “For Hearing People Only” by Matthew Moore and Linda Levitan
Local Resources
- Community colleges (often offer ASL classes)
- Deaf events and socials (search social media for “Deaf coffee” near you)
- ASL Meetup groups
- State associations of the Deaf
- Local Deaf clubs and organizations
Cultural Notes
- ASL is the third most used language in the United States
- Deaf (with a capital D) refers to cultural identity, not just hearing status
- Deaf culture values directness, eye contact, and visual expression
- Tapping someone’s shoulder is the appropriate way to get attention
- Clapping in Deaf culture is often shown by waving hands in the air
- Light is very important – never communicate in poor lighting
Remember: ASL is a visual language with its own grammar and cultural context. Learning ASL isn’t just about memorizing signs – it’s about understanding Deaf culture and visual ways of thinking.