Start Learning American Sign Language (ASL 1 – Unit 2)

ASL 1 – Unit 2

In this unit, you will be learning American Sign Language numbers and Deaf Culture.

Vocabulary
Food & Drink

Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these phrases and vocabulary words.

Phrases

• Can you (please) sign slower?
• Can you (please) sign that again?
• Can you fingerspell that again?
• Excuse me
• I don’t understand.
• I’ll be right back.
• Sorry.
• There is no sign for that, you need to fingerspell it.
• What did you/they say?
• What does that mean?
• Write it please.

Vocabulary

• APPLE
• BREAD
• BUY
• CANDY
• COKE (Coca Cola)
• COOKIE
• DRINK
• EAT
• FOOD
• GRAPES
• HUNGRY
• ICE CREAM
• MILK
• MORE
• Numbers 1-10
• PIZZA
• RESTAURANT
• SANDWICH
• SODA-POP
• THIRSTY
• WATER

If you are learning American Sign Language with a partner, practice this conversation together:

A: Hi, my name is (your name). What is your name?
B: My name is (your name). Nice to meet you.
A: Nice to meet you.

If you do not have a partner, practice signing with Cristian! In the video below, Cris will be person A. Pause the video when prompted, and reply as person B.

The numbers used for counting are called Cardinal Numbers.

Watch the video clip below. Mando is going to model the numbers 1-10. Practice signing each number.

Number Practice 2.1

Turn to page 4 in your workbook. In the video below, Mando and I are going to sign 10 phrases. Write down the 2 numbers signed in each phrase. The first one has been done for you.

When you’re finished, check your answers in the back of the workbook. Go back and review the questions you missed.

Turn to page 4 of your workbook. In the video below, Cristian will fingerspell 3 names for each question. Two of the names will be the same and one name will be different. Circle the name that is different. The first one has been done for you.

When you’re finished, check your answers in the back of the workbook. Go back and review the questions you missed.

Practice fingerspelling these short words:

Practice these words until you are comfortable signing them. This is just to get you to start spelling!

Lexicalized fingerspelling (sometimes called “loan signs”) is fingerspelling that looks more like a sign rather than a fingerspelled word. These are 2-5 letter words that are commonly used and have their own special movements.

Here are some examples of words that are commonly lexicalized:

You would use the lexicalized version of a sign if:

1. You want to emphasize a point.
2. You want to use directionality (i.e. GIVE #BACK-(signing toward a specific referent).
3. You want to make a comparison (spell on different hands).

In the video below, Cristian will demonstrate some common lexicalized words.

As you watch the video, make sure that you recognize how these lexicalized words are different from normal fingerspelling.

In DJSC! A Student’s Guide to ASL and the Deaf Community, read Step 2: Learn About Deaf Culture and Step 5: Learn the Terminology. If you are going to be a part of the Deaf community, you need to understand the culture of the Deaf. These readings will get you ready for attending Deaf Events and getting involved in the Deaf community.

If you do not have DJSC! A Student’s Guide to ASL and the Deaf Community, you can read this article on Deaf Culture. This article is not as detailed as the book, but it will give you the basic information about Deaf Culture.

Are You Enjoying the Class?

Many new ASL students are very interested to know about your Start ASL class experience. Have you been able to successfully learn sign language? What is your favorite part of the class? Are you learning everything you want to? Do you have any useful tips? Share Your Experience!

End of Unit 2

One more unit down! You’re doing great!