Learn American Sign Language

ASL 3 - Unit 2

In this unit as you learn American Sign Language, you will be learning advanced role shifting techniques.

In the video below, Darcy will demonstrate various examples of classifiers used to describe role shifting with objects.

Role shifting is also used to show "who did what to whom". In this case, classifiers are normally used. You would use this for a sentence like, "I gave my sister the book and she took it" or "I spilled the drink all over my sister."

In order to show this, you would:

1. Indicate where the people are located
2. Describe or tell what the object is
3. Describe how the people are affected by the object
4. Show results and/or the reactions of the people

This can be used to show objects being passed, tossed, or spilled between people.

Turn to page 4 in your workbook. In the video below, Darcy will sign 10 sentences. Each sentence uses role shifting with an object. Watch the video and fill in the missing information for each number in the table in your workbook. The first one has been done for you.

Check your answers in the back of the workbook. Go back and review the questions you missed.

Role shifting is also used to show "who did what to whom". You would use this for a sentence like, "I hugged my sister" or "my sister kissed me."

In order to show this, you would:

1. Indicate where the other person is
2. Show how they touched you or you touched them
3. Show where you were touched or where they were touched

You can do this from the perspective of the person touching or the person being touched.

Turn to page 5 in your workbook. In the video below, Darcy will sign 10 sentences. Each sentence uses role shifting with touching. Watch the video and fill in the missing information for each number in the table in your workbook. The first one has been done for you.

Check your answers in the back of the workbook. Go back and review the questions you missed.

Move on to Unit 3

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